Water Cube hosts event to raise autism awareness

The 12th World Autism Awareness Day was marked at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing on April 2, by lighting up the architectural landmark at night in blue.

Curling athlete Wang Bingyu, world badminton champion Xie Xingfang and folk singer Miu Jie took part in a lighting ceremony, where attendees lit up the exterior of the building with the stroke of a touch screen.

This is the ninth straight year Water Cube has hosted the "Light it Blue" charitable event with the aim of raising awareness about autism, following the theme of "Respecting Difference and Boosting Hope."

This year's event will include academic forums, interactive experiences and cultural and artistic activities to raise awareness of people with special needs, and to inspire greater public respect and equality for these groups.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Overseas Chinese Charity Foundation of China and the Beijing Cultural Development Foundation, with the support from the Beijing State-owned Assets Management Co., Ltd.