Zhou vowed, in receiving the flag, to take it as a chance to promote global communication and local awareness of caring for individuals with mental retardation when Shanghai hosts the next Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2007.

In the summer of 2007, some 7,000 athletes from more than 150 countries and regions will compete in 20 different Olympic-type events, including aquatics, track and field, badminton, baseball, basketball, bowling, cycling, equestrian sport, football, golf, gymnastics, handball, judo, power lifting, roller skating, sailing, table tennis, tennis and volleyball.

The Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with mental retardation to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.

(eastday.com July 2, 2003)