The city of Shanghai of China will play host to the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, the first ever in Asia as well as the first time in China, president and CEO of Special Olympics Timothy Shriver announced Friday in Washington.
In the summer of 2007 with specific dates to be determined, some 7,000 athletes from more than 150 countries and regions will compete in 20 different Olympic-type sports of aquatics, athletics,badminton, baseball, basketball, bowling, cycling, equestrian, football, golf, gymnastics, handball, judo, powerlifting, roller skating, sailing, table tennis, tennis and volleyball.
"It's my honor to announce that several weeks ago at its meeting in London, the Board of Directors unanimously choose the city of Shanghai to host the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games," said Shriver at a press conference today.
"This is one of the nations with great economic challenges, andnow is expected to be home to those with greatest challenges and allow them to be part of the future," he said.
"It is one of the proudest civilizations in the world, it has the world's greatest achievements, and these Games, I hope and believe, will be proud of the civilization and will be the greatest Special Olympics World Summer Games, the first time in Asia, the first time in China," the president said.
Chinese ambassador Yang Jiechi said that "it was a truly exciting moment for me and we are proud to be chosen for such an important event."
"Along with the rapid economic growth and strong political stability, a sound development of the society, I believe these achievements create a foundation for a Special Olympics World Summer Games as never before," the ambassador said.
"It is important to note that the Chinese government has paid particular attention to the health and welfare of the sixty million individuals with disabilities," he said, adding that "Shortly after the bidding for the 2008 Summer Olympics, China, in order to inspire their self-confidence, has also promised to play host to the 2008 Paralympics, and now the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games."
"I'am sure Shanghai Special Olympics will build a bridge to connect people with mental disabilities to the general community, promote integration between disabled people and the non-disabled, build understanding among the general public of the handicapped persons and the respect and acknowledgment the world owes them," the Chinese ambassador said.
(People's Daily May 26, 2002)
