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Special Olympics
China to host world games
By Marcia McFarlane
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¡¡Since its inception in 1962, Special Olympics has served those with intellectual disabilities by fostering a spirit of teamwork, self worth and competitiveness. Of the many countries that have since taken the cause to a global level, China has created the strongest presence. And now, the country of 1.6 billion is staging a massive show of support for the program by hosting the 2007 Special Olympic World Summer Games, slated for October 2 ¨C 11, throughout the city of Shanghai.
¡¡One of the world's largest multi-sport competitions, the event will draw about 7,000 athletes worldwide, as well as thousands of volunteers, event officials, families, spectators and journalists. It is the first time the event has been held in Asia, and only the second time outside the United States.
The selection of China as the host country was made by a unanimous vote of the Special Olympics Board of Directors. Major factors in awarding the bid to China were the presence of a strong Special Olympics program, the ability of Shanghai to offer venues and accommodations well suited to the event, and perhaps more importantly, strong support from the central government.
¡¡The number of Special Olympians in China has nearly tripled since 2000, largely due to the government's 5-year plan for growth of the program, which called for the addition of 500,000 new athletes by 2005. The mandate is credited with doubling participation worldwide, as well.
¡¡Delegations from 169 countries are expected to attend the Games. Athletes of all ability levels, ages 8 and above, will participate in 25 different events. Many athletes not competing will serve as assistant coaches, officials, reporters and spokespeople. Team USA will send 2 athletes from each state.
¡¡According to Kelly Curran, director of communications for Special Olympics Kansas (SOK), the national organization assigned each state two events for which to select a participant. Athletes were chosen according to ability, as well as age. Curran said that although the number of participants and types of events may vary from state to state, the mission of Special Olympics remains the same, stressing the physical, emotional and social benefits of participation. And now, Team USA is preparing to experience those benefits in global proportions. "This is the trip of a lifetime that few people get to experience," Curran said. "Our athletes, coaches and families are definitely excited about the opportunity to meet new people and learn about a new culture."
¡¡To ensure their guests receive a first-rate cultural experience, organizers of the Games have planned a Host Town Program, to include the pairings of athletes with host families for the four days prior to arriving at the Games. Families from Beijing to Shanghai will serve as hosts and through daytime activities, will teach the Chinese culture and help athletes acclimate to their new environment.
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¡¡Once in Shanghai, team members will stay at hotels. An opening ceremony at Shanghai Stadium will include star-studded entertainment, the Parade of Athletes and the final leg of the torch run, for the first time dubbed the "Global Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg." After ignition of the flame in Athens, Greece, the torch will travel the globe to more than 10 cities to celebrate the Games and showcase Chinese culture. Law enforcement officers from around the globe will serve as Guardians of the flame, representing their peers and colleagues, who collectively support Special Olympics through the donation of innumerable hours and multi-millions of dollars. In addition to the opening ceremony, other special events are planned that include a research symposium highlighting groundbreaking findings in the area of intellectual disabilities; the Global Youth Summit, featuring inspiring and educational discussions between young people of all abilities; a family forum, designed to provide social and informational networking; and a closing ceremony.
¡¡Chairman of the Board of Special Olympics Timothy Shriver commended China's commitment to the Summer Games. "China is our movement's future," he said. "This pioneering effort to bring the Special Olympics' message to the largest nation on earth opens the chance for change, for with sports achievement comes achievement in family, in school, on the job and in life."
¡¡Yang Jiechi, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the United States, agreed. "With the 2007 Special Olympic World Games, we will be able to connect people with mental challenges with the general public all over the world," he said.
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Meet The Athletes
Whether they hail from Team USA or from one of the 168 other countries participating in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, all the athletes will spend many hours in training and preparation for their individual events.? The athletes featured below represent the work ethic and enthusiasm shared by their worldwide peers:
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Melissa Hylton, Age 25
Hometown: Kansas City, Kansas
Event: Track and Field
A 17-year member of the Kansas City Kings, Melissa participates in four sports throughout the year. Her teammates labeled her the social butterfly of the team and admire her for always cheering loudly and offering an encouraging word. "I look forward to representing all of my friends in Kansas City and will be able to meet people from all around the world," Melissa said. "This experience will make me a better person." |
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Jay Horn, Age 27
Hometown: Pittsburg, Kansas
Event: Bocce
Jay has been an avid bocce competitor for six years. Highly respected among his teammates, he has served as the captain of his team, New Hope Special Olympics, for three years. His positive attitude and achievements in a variety of sports have made him a well-recognized figure in his community. Jay was selected to represent Kansas based on his spirit, dedication and skill level. "I train hard in every sport I play," he said. |
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Harry Besleme, Age 30
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri
Event: Bocce
Winning the gold medal in bocce at the Special Olympics Missouri Summer Games is an achievement Harry touts as one of his greatest. The win qualified him to represent Missouri on Team USA at the World Summer Games. A Special Olympian for six years, he has received awards for most improved player and most cooperative athlete. He credits Special Olympics with keeping him fit and helping him meet new friends. |
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Robert Stephens, Age 64
Hometown: Columbia, Missouri
Event: Bocce Unified Partner
As a long-time coach and volunteer for Special Olympics, Robert is familiar with every aspect of the organization. He first experienced Special Olympics when his son Larry became an athlete. Now, Robert will travel to China with Team USA as a Unified Partner in bocce.? Unified Sports pairs Special Olympians with "partner" athletes who don't have intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Missouri named Robert, his wife and children the Family of the Year in 2000. |
[SIDEBAR]
The 2007 World Summer Games will feature a diverse range of Olympic-type events, including:
- Aquatics
- Track and Field
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Bocce
- Bowling
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Dragon Boat Racing
- Equestrian
- Football (Soccer)
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Judo
- Kayaking
- Powerlifting
- Roller Skating
- Sailing
- Softball
- Table Tennis
- Team Handball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
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