Local weather authorities in Shanghai have developed a rain-prevention scheme to ensure the opening and closing ceremonies and torch relay for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in October are not interrupted.
The city has been trying to improve its meteorological services to serve the event, including providing accurate weather forecasts and air quality reports.
The Shanghai meteorological bureau, in cooperation with its counterparts in neighboring provinces, said it will use advanced technologies to prevent rainy days during the event, which will involve 7,500 athletes, 40,000 volunteers, 3,500 event officials and thousands of families, spectators and journalists from around the world.
Shanghai is the first Asian city to host the Special Olympics, and this will be only the second time the Games have been held outside the US.
Running from October 2-11, the meteorological department was concerned the Games could be hit by the start of the rainy season.
Zhou Taitong, the vice-mayor of Shanghai, said: "We need reliable weather forecasts and the rain-prevention service to ensure a successful event for the special athletes and everyone involved in the various events."
The Shanghai meteorological department is to expand its observation facilities to help provide precise weather forecasts for the various venues.
Meanwhile, photographers are being invited to submit entries for a competition celebrating the Games. The best entries will be shown at an exhibition and also included in a book.
Entries should reflect the dedication and devotion of Special Olympians and the people who work with them.
The Special Olympics was started in the 1960s by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of John F. Kennedy. This year's event will feature athletes of all abilities competing in 25 sporting and performance events, with the emphasis more on taking part than on winning.
The flame of Hope for the Games has traveled through Greece, Egypt, Great Britain, the US and South Korea on its way to Shanghai.
(China Daily August 28, 2007)
