Shanghai to host Special Olympic World Summer Games in October 
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

BEIJING (China): The 10-day Special Olympics World Summer Games (SOWSG) will be held in Shanghai from October 2 to 11.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the SOWSG Zhou Taitong, announcing the programme of the Special Olympic at a press conference here Thursday said that it will be for the first time that the games to be held in a developing country.

He said that over 10,000 athletes and coaches, 20,000 family members, experts and guests from over 160 countries will take part in the games, which will be the largest one throughout its history.

Zhou Taitong pointed out that arrangements have also been made for the availability of around 40,000 volunteers for the games.

The theme of the games is "I Know I can", he said and added that gives expression to the Special Olympics spirit embodied in "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt", he said.

On the occasion the logo of 2007 SOWSO "eye", the image of an aspiring and caring eye was also shown to the media persons.

The competitions to be held included 21 official sports, namely bowling, bocce, basketball, football, volleyball, tennis, badminton, table tennis, handball, softball, golf, roller-skiing, power lifting, equestrian, aquatics and diving, sailing, kayaking, gymnastics, cycling, judo and athletics. Four demonstration games are: dragon and lion dances, dragon boat, cricket and MATP.

He said that there would also be non-sporting events that included Law enforcement, Torch Run, Opening/Closing ceremony, Host Town program, Healthy Athlete programme, Family Forum, Global Youth Summit, School Enrichment program, SO Cultural and entertainment activities, SO Leadership program, symposiums and other socializing functions.

He said that the central government is funding the game and would spend an amount of USD 60 million.

Zhou Taitong pointed out that the games will be held in thirty four venues and no new facility would be constructed and the competitions would be held in already available facilities which were being renovated, repaired and improved.

He said that SOWSO is not just about competition but also an encouragement and the athletes are divided according to their age and capacity.

"There is no world record to break, instead every participant to get an award", he declared.●