Today in Beijing, Special Olympics Global Torch Bearer and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined 700 Special Olympics athletes at a special event to celebrate the growth of Special Olympics in China, and to focus world attention on the upcoming Special Olympics World Summer Games, to be held in Shanghai in 2007.

The event, held at the China Millennium Monument, was attended by dignitaries including Deng Pufang, Chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF); Sun Anmin, Vice Mayor of Beijing; Zhou Taitong, Vice Mayor of Shanghai and Chairman of the 2007 Special Olympics Games Steering Committee; Tang Xiaoquan, President of CDPF; Wang Zhijun, Chairman of Special Olympics China; Lu Shiming, Executive Vice President of CDPF; the leadership of Special Olympics, and citizens of Beijing.

Governor Schwarzenegger attended the event's opening ceremonies, which were followed by a Torch Run, and met with the top leadership both of Special Olympics China and the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF). He
congratulated them on their tremendous support for people with intellectual disabilities, and encouraged their efforts to build acceptance in the world for this population.

The event at the China Millennium Monument was organized by the CDPF, Special Olympics China, the China Disabled Welfare Foundation and the Beijing Municipal Government. Other event supporters and cooperative partners included the China Millennium Monument Administration Center, Yi Bei Yi Qu Network Information Service Co., Ltd, Yu Yuan Tan Park, Beijing Can Ao Sports Development Co., Ltd and Beijing Zhong Yang Xin Rui Consulting Co., Ltd.

China, which also will host the 2008 Olympic Games, will become the first country in history to host the Special Olympics World Games, Olympic Games and Paralympic Games — all within the span of just 12 months. The eyes of the world will be on China as it celebrates the true power of sport and the belief that sport can foster the development of a better and more peaceful world.

The 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games will be held in Shanghai, People's Republic of China, from 10-19 October 2007.

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