Harbin, Heilongjiang, July 12, 2005 – The China Disabled Persons' Federation, China National Sports Bureau and Special Olympics China today announced that they will jointly hold the 4th Special Olympics China National Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. The National Games are to kick off of July 29, 2006. Yesterday, the 4th National Special Olympics Games Preparatory Committee held its official athlete training forum. 

Yesterday at the forum, Wang Zhijun, Chairman of the China Special Olympics Committee and director of the 4th National Special Olympics Games Preparatory Committee, reported on the development, growth and significance of the development of Special Olympics in China in great detail. He expressed his satisfaction at the preparatory work done by Heilongjiang province, but also expressed his expectations for the future. The vice-governor of Heilongjiang province, Wang Donghua set forth guidelines for future preparatory work to be conducted in Harbin. Also present at this training forum was Yong Zhijun, Secretary-General of the China Special Olympics Committee and of the 4th National Special Olympics Games Preparatory Committee.

The 4th Special Olympics China National Games will be held in Harbin and will hold its opening ceremonies on July 29, 2006. The Special Olympics Games provide a chance for all individuals with intellectual disabilities to compete in sporting events. It is estimated that there are 13,000,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities in China. Special Olympics not only gives these individuals a change to participate in sporting events, but allows them to truly become athletes and become a valued member of society. The Special Olympics Committee of China was founded in 1985, and currently we have more than 1500 coaches and volunteers helping with the training of our Special Olympics athletes.

The first Special Olympics China National Games were held in Guangdong province in 1987. The 4th Special Olympics China National Games will be by far the largest, most developed games held in China as of yet. It will also incorporate the most sports and athletes, with an expected 1900 athletes competing in 10 events. The 4th National Special Olympics Games Preparatory Committee is currently in the process of selecting Special Olympics Ambassadors from the entire nation to be involved in the Special Olympics Flame ceremony, various press conferences and other promotional events.

Stay tuned for more updates on the 2006 Special Olympics China National Games in Harbin!