Beijing, China, November 14, 2005 - 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.

Special Olympics China athletes eagerly await the arrival of VIPs

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.

"When I visited China in 2000 for the Special Olympics China Millennium March, I knew that China would embrace the Special Olympics movement and its athletes," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "But this country has exceeded my expectations. China is truly demonstrating its leadership on the world stage through its commitment to the over 170 million people around the world with intellectual disabilities."

(l-r) Special Olympics President and CEO Bruce Pasternack, Beijing's Vice Mayor Sun Anmin, CA Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, China Disabled Persons' Federation Chairman Deng Pufang, Special Olympics Chairman Timothy P. Shriver and China Disabled Person's Federation President Tang Xiaoquan

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 (SOC) 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, SOC, 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.

Special Olympics China athlete Judy Yang hands torch to California Governor and Special Olympics Global Torch Bearer Arnold Schwarzenegger

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.

Special Olympics provides opportunities to the largest disability population in the world - people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Currently, Special Olympics is nearly 2 million athletes strong in more than 150 nations around the world.

Governor Schwarzenegger and Chairman Deng Pufang celebrate Special Olympics China's 500,000 athletes

The 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games will be held in Shanghai, People's Republic of China, from 10-19 October 2007. The event will mark the first time the World Summer Games will be held in Asia, and only the second time they will be held outside the United States. In addition to some 7,000 athletes, Special Olympics expects the 2007 World Summer Games to draw 40,000 volunteers, 3,500 event officials and thousands of families, volunteers, spectators and journalists from every continent. For more information, please visit www.specialolympics.org.