Beijing, China, November 18, 2005 - In patronage of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games to be held in Shanghai, luxury brand Louis Vuitton will donate a portion of the proceeds from the first day of sales (November 20) of their flagship store in Beijing to the games. This latest donation represents the significant support and encouragement that the 2007 World Games are receiving from international brands in China.

In a fitting tribute to the nation's capital city, Louis Vuitton has invited two Chinese luminaries to inaugurate the new store: Zhang Yimou and Liu Xiang. Together Liu and Zhang represent a spirit shared by the Louis Vuitton brand - the spirit of China, the spirit of the Olympics, the sprit of personal development and innovation. On behalf of Louis Vuitton, Zhang will donate funds to 2007 Special Olympics World Games, represented on the day by Liu Xiang + Special Olympics athletes, Miss Jia Sirui and Miss Judy Yang.

Liu, a newly appointed Caring Ambassador to the 2007 World Games, stated at the event, " I'm proud to be involved with the World Games and look forward to working more closely with Special Olympics athletes, such as those in attendance here today".

(l-r) Zhang Yimou, Judy Yang, Liu Xiang and Jia Sirui

Ms Mary Gu, Vice President of the 2007 World Games Executive Committee, praised Louis Vuitton's fundraising support, saying: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Louis Vuitton brand for graciously donating funds from the first day of retail sales in their flagship Beijing store. Their support illustrates the diversity of our supporters and conveys our key objective, 'inclusion of all'. As we strive to develop the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities by society, the support of well-known individuals and major corporations will continue to provide inspiration and encouragement."

Referring to his honoured guests, Christopher Zanardi-Landi, General Manager, Louis Vuitton China, remarked, "At Louis Vuitton we salute these two outstanding gentlemen with the opening of our new House in Beijing, but at the same time we hope to also support those less fortunate, but equally impressive, in the spirit of sport in this Olympic-bound city."

"Such fundraising support illustrates the value of corporate support to the Special Olympics movement in China," mentioned Ms Gu. " As we prepare for the upcoming 2007 World Games over the next two years, the support and encouragement of our sponsors and partners will be crucial. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Louis Vuitton for being such a great role model to other major corporations, by taking its supporting corporate social responsibilities so seriously ."

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programming for more than 1.3 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people's diverse abilities and develops the full potential of individuals. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics.

The 2007 Special Olympics World Games will be held in Shanghai, underscoring the importance of China to the Special Olympics movement. By 2005, one-quarter of Special Olympics global participants will be Chinese - a total of 500,000 athletes. Visit Special Olympics online at www.specialolympics.org and www. 2007specialolympics.com.

About Zhang Yimou & Liu Xiang

Zhang Yi Mou, is one of China 's most revered film directors ( Hero, Red Sorghum, Raise the Red Lantern ), who won the heart of the nation with his official Olympic film which helped seal Beijing's host-city bid. Olympic Track & Field star Liu Xiang brought home a Gold Medal in Hurdles from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games to become a national hero.