2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games
Initial Families Information
Global World Games Newsletter Update including Honoured Guests Programme, Special Olympics Family Programme updates. Download Pdf File (3Mb)
(from 1st Edition of Head of Delegation Manual)
Family Services
The GOC will ensure a rewarding and family-friendly experience for family members of Special Olympics athletes. Dedicated volunteers will serve as family co-ordinators to provide information and assistance on such matters as commercial accommodation, ticketing, transportation and tourist information.
Family Member
The definition of a family member for the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games is an individual who is:
- The husband, wife or partner of the athlete
- A blood relative of the athlete (mother, father, child, sister, brother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cousin, a relative related by marriage or a partner of a blood relative)
- An individual who serves as the athlete's legal guardian, foster parent or carer
- An individual involved with the athlete in a parenting role
Family Registration
Family Registration materials and forms will be distributed to all delegations in advance, with full details on how to register as family members for the World Games. Registration forms should be collected and submitted by delegations before the designated deadline. Qualified family members must confirm their attendance to the 2007 World Summer Games with the GOC before the deadline and participate in the formal registration process. Registered family members will be entitled to the following privileges during the Games:
- Tickets to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies
- Family accreditation - necessary for access to all family activities
- A Family Welcome pack upon arrival in Shanghai that included information about the Games
- Access to family hospitality areas at all competition venues
- Access to reserved family only seating and award areas
- Invitations to special family only activities and receptions
- Other privileges that the GOC provides for family members
Families who do not register will have no special privileges, but they are welcome to participate in the Games as ordinary spectators or tourists.
Family Hospitality
Families should inform the GOC of their arrival information, so that volunteers can be organised to greet them and help them find appropriate transportation to reach their accommodation.
There will be a dedicated hospitality area for family members in each competition venue where tea and coffee will be available free of charge.A reserved seating area will also be available for family members in each competition venue.
Host a Family Programme
Shanghai citizens warmly welcome the family members of SO athletes to be their guests!
The GOC has developed a Host a Family Programme and accepts application from potential host families in Shanghai. All applications will be reviewed to determine their capacity, and qualified host families will be identified and assigned to each delegation.
Participants in this programme will be able to spend a wonderful time together with their local hosts in activities such as sightseeing, going to the theatre or having dinner together.
Family Accommodation
The GOC has established a dedicated accommodation service for families.
Since the Games will take place during China’s National Day holidays and demand for accommodation is expected to be very strong, the GOC may not be able to satisfy all walk-in requests. In light of this situation, families are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and must confirm their reservations before the opening date of the Games.
Information about hotels in different price ranges will be available.
Family Entertainment
The GOC will provide information on entertainment venues that are open to families. We will inform all registered families as soon as possible.
Visas
One family member for each athlete will have their visa fee waived.
Transport in Shanghai
Public Transport
Family members will be encouraged to buy a special Games card which can be used for public transport in Shanghai including buses (not valid on certain lines), taxis, all five Metro lines and the Maglev line. The card is of the pre-pay type and can be recharged.
Transport to and from the Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Family members are recommended to use public transport to get to the traffic control area around the Shanghai Stadium and then walk to the Stadium. Public announcements will be made to identify the bus/Metro lines that reach the stadium as well as the names of the appropriate bus/Metro stops.
On the days of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies the capacity of public transportation to and from the stadium will be increased. One back-up train will be prepared for Shanghai Metro Line no.1 and its operation hours will also be extended. Local taxi companies will also re-deploy their taxis to meet the peak demand.
Inter-venue Shuttle
Families are welcome to use this service.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
The Opening Ceremony will be held in the Shanghai Stadium on the evening of 2nd October 2007.
The Closing Ceremony is preliminarily scheduled to take place in the Bund area of Shanghai on the evening of 11th October.