The National Aquatics Center in Beijing turns blue on March 31, 2024, to mark the 17th World Autism Awareness Day. [Photo by Wu Xiaoshan/China.org.cn]

The National Aquatics Center in Beijing hosted various activities and illuminated its iconic blue light last weekend to mark the 17th World Autism Awareness Day, urging the public to "respect differences and re-ignite hope" for autistic individuals and their families.

A charity fair opens at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing in March 2024 to raise funds and awareness for autistic individuals. [Photo by Wu Xiaoshan/China.org.cn]

This marked the 14th time the dual-Olympic venue has co-organized the "Light It Up Blue" charity event. This year's event featured a unique curling experience, allowing autistic children and their families to try the winter sport on the ice rink used during the Beijing 2022 Winter Games. Additionally, the event included a charity fair and an art exhibition showcasing paintings by autistic individuals.

Paintings by autistic individuals are displayed at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing on March 31, 2024, during the venue's annual "Light It Up Blue" charity event. [Photo by Wu Xiaoshan/China.org.cn]

An exchange session was also held on March 31, bringing together medical professionals, physical education experts, and parents of autistic children to share insights and discuss strategies to promote the well-being and support of autistic individuals.

Autistic children and their families participate in a curling experience session at the National Aquatics Center's underground ice sports arena on March 31, 2024. [Photo by Wu Xiaoshan/China.org.cn]

Building on the success of last year's initiative, the venue again collaborated with the National Speed Skating Oval, the Diamond Court of the National Tennis Center, and several landmark buildings in Shanghai, Zhengzhou, Lanzhou and Zhuhai. Together, they illuminated their structures in a captivating shade of blue to further promote the principles of fairness, equity, unity and hard work among "children from the stars," a term often used in China to describe autistic individuals.

Distinguished from other Olympic venues, the National Aquatics Center owes its existence to donations from about 350,000 compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese from 107 countries and regions. This remarkable support not only laid the foundation for the venue but also established its enduring dedication to public welfare.

The event underscored the dual-Olympic venue's dedication to providing an inclusive environment for disabled people and highlighted its commitment to corporate social responsibility. Looking ahead, the venue will continue to leverage its strengths in offering both water and ice sports services and work with more cities and institutions to further raise awareness about autism.