The upcoming World Expo 2010 in Shanghai will have a pavilion for disabled persons, the first in the World Expo's 160-year history.

The pavilion, titled "sheng ming yang guang", or life sunshine, will cover 1,200 square meters within the expo's theme pavilion. It has been jointly sponsored by the China Disabled Persons Federation (CDPF) and Shanghai Disabled Persons Federation, which released the pavilion's emblem, a seven-colored leaf, and mascot, a sunshine bird, in Beijing Thursday.

"The pavilion will be an effort to eliminate discrimination and make cities a better place for the disabled," said Wang Xinxian, vice-chairman of the CDPF.

The site is divided into four parts, introducing the future life of the physically-challenged persons in the cities and their aspirations for a better life. It will also show the endeavor made by the Chinese government to enhance human rights.

"We will host activities like performances and art exhibitions of the disabled during the World Expo," said Wang.

The pavilion is expected to attract 600,000 people. The Shanghai expo will begin on May 1 next year and last until October 31.

(Xinhua News Agency September 4, 2009)