About the Games
The 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games will unite the world through sports, celebrating the abilities and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities and forming a new global vision of acceptance. When: 2-11 October 2007 Participants: More than 7,000 athletes from 169 countries; 40,000 volunteers 3,500 event officials. Thousands of families, friends, spectators and journalists from every continent Where: The People's Republic of China, in the city of Shanghai Vision: Embrace the diversity of all individuals' abilities worldwide and celebrate all differences. Through these World Games, Special Olympics athletes transcend the boundaries of geography, nationality, political philosophy, gender, age, culture and religion. It is the common pursuit of achievement, the shared moment of victory, which brings even the most diverse people together. This spirit of unity on the playing fields, in families and communities throughout the world makes for a better way of life for all. Special Olympics celebrates the fundamental commonality of all people. Together, we can learn to accept each other, and this will allow us all to contribute to society and to the world we all share. It will be the first time the World Games have been held in Asia, and only the second time to be held outside the United States since the founding of the organisation by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968. China, which is also hosting the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, will become the first country in history to host the Special Olympics World Summer Games, Olympic Games and Paralympics Games - all within the span of just 12 months. |
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SPECIAL EVENTS:
The first-ever Global Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Legwill begin with the ignition of the "Flame of Hope" and the lighting of the torch in Athens, Greece. The torch will travel around the globe to more than 10 cities to celebrate the 2007 World Games and showcase Chinese culture. Law enforcement officers from around the world will serve as Guardians of the Flame as they journey to Shanghai, China, to safely deliver the "Flame of Hope" to the 2007 World Games Opening Ceremonies.
Host Town Programme - Delegations from around the world will be hosted throughout China prior to their arrival in Shanghai for the Games. For four days before Opening Ceremonies, the Host Town experience gives Special Olympics athletes a chance to learn more about Chinese culture and acclimate to a new environment, and also helps citizens of China learn more about people with intellectual disabilities.
Research Symposium - Review of groundbreaking studies by the China National Institute for Educational Research and the University of Massachusetts Boston. Studies will reveal key findings in the area of intellectual disabilities, as well as highlights on subjects ranging from health and fitness to attitude change to the impact of the Special Olympics movement.
Opening Ceremonies - An exciting and entertaining show to open the World Games. Produced by award-winning producer/director Don Mischer, this spectacular event will take place in the 80,000-seat Shanghai Stadium and will include star-studded entertainment, the Parade of Athletes and the culmination of the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron.
Global Youth Summit - An assembly bringing youth with and without intellectual disabilities together for inspiring and educational discussions. The inaugural summit took place in 2001 at the World Winter Games in Anchorage, Alaska (USA), and was aired on Nickelodeon television (Nick News). The second Global Youth Summit, held in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the 2003 World Summer Games, attracted Nelson Mandela and stars Colin Farrell and Maria Shriver. The show aired on MTV in the United Kingdom. The 2005 Global Youth Summit at the World Games in Nagano, Japan, included more than 300 Japanese youth and attracted former U.S. President Bill Clinton; the show aired on Japanese national television.
Family Forum - An activity tailored for family members of Special Olympics athletes to enable them to learn more about the opportunities available with Special Olympics, and to provide a network of friends and supporters.
Closing Ceremonies - An event to celebrate the accomplishments of the athletes and officially close the Games.
Healthy Athletes® Screenings - Volunteer medical professionals will provide competing athletes a variety of free health assessments, including vision, dental, audiology and physical therapy. Past Healthy Athletes screenings have changed the lives of many athletes, discovering serious untreated health issues.