Beijing, March 7 - Special Olympics athletes and volunteers in Beijing had a fantastic evening listening to the beautiful music performances of Norah Jones and the Handsome Band on Monday, March 7. Jeff McClusky and his company JMA Promotions, strong advocates for Special Olympics China, worked together with Norah Jones’ management to donate 10 tickets for her Beijing concert to Special Olympics. Following the concert, Norah Jones took pictures with the athletes and volunteers who attended and autographed 2 of her CDs and fabric for piano bench covers. The autographed CDs and piano benches will be auctioned off in future fundraiser events for Special Olympics, such as the American Chamber of Commerce – Shanghai charity ball on March 12, 2005 and our annual Very Special Christmas Gala in December 2005.

One of the athletes who attended, Jia Sirui (a former Special Olympics Global Messenger who also goes by the English name Tina) raved about the show: “I thought her music was so soothing and relaxing, my favorite kind of music to listen to! Norah Jones is also a very beautiful and kind person. I was so excited and happy to meet such a famous person!” Tina and the other athletes presented Ms Jones with some small gifts, and were delighted when she autographed their CDs and concert tickets for them. Ms. Jones spent time asking each athlete about their favorite sports and Special Olympics activities.

Special Olympics is appreciative to Norah Jones, her management and Jeff MuClusky for the autographed fundraising items and concert tickets. The funds raised from these items will help Special Olympics athletes in China purchase equipment and train for competitions. It was also inspiring for the athletes to meet an internationally known star and know that she was concerned about issues affecting intellectually disabled people.