BEIJING — The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) hailed the preparations for the Beijing Paralympic Winter Games as "first-class" on March 5.

IPC chief brand and communications officer Craig Spence made the remarks during a press conference, adding that "these Games are really going to raise the bar in terms of how to organize a Paralympic Winter Games."

"I have one word to describe it [opening ceremony]: wow," Spence praised.

"It was amazing to be back in the National Stadium, the Bird's Nest, because in 2008, when (Chinese high jumper) Hou Bin lit the flame for the Summer Games, it marked the start of a new chapter for the Paralympic movement and a real growth curve for us," said Spence.

"We sincerely hope that these Games do for the Winter Games what the 2008 Games did for the Summer Games. It was really emotional for us to be back in the stadium last night," he added.

Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS)， also spoke highly of the opening ceremony on the night of March 4.

"We don't yet have numbers (of viewers) - we will start having some perhaps from March 7 - but there is no doubt in my mind that these are going to be by far the most-watched Paralympic Winter Games," Exarchos said.

"For sure, last night must have been the most-watched opening ceremony for a Paralympic Winter Games ever."