On 26 May 2008, in celebration and support of the spirit of Special Olympics, National Geographic Channel Asia has partnered with DHL to showcase an exclusive photography exhibition titled “BE INSPIRED – IGNITING THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS SPIRIT” by award-winning photographer, Jeff Hutchens in Shanghai after its successful tour in Singapore and New Delhi. Special Olympics Shanghai and the Special athletes are invited to attend the exhibition.

The exhibition spot

Special Olympics Shanghai leaders and athletes with the hosts

In 2007, the “Flame of Hope” was taken around the world, starting from Athens, to Cairo, London, Washington D.C., Seoul, Tokyo and Sydney, before it arrived in China, where it was taken to 14 cities and provinces including Hong Kong and Macau. And the photographs captured the essence of Special Olympics in its full glory.

Viewing carefully

Through the exhibition, Special Olympics is known about more visually, and people paid tribute to the athletes- not only for their courage but also their commitment to sports. The attendees had the opportunity to view these spectacular moments and were inspired to ignite the spirit of Special Olympics.

Additionally, National Geographic Channel will premiere “The Making of the 2007 Special Olympics Opening Ceremony” on 21 June at 7pm (HKG/SGP/MAL). The one-hour television special will take viewers behind the scenes on the making of the Special Olympics grand finale in Shanghai.

About National Geographic Channel

National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) invites viewers to re-think the way they see television - and the world - with smart, innovative programming. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television (NGT) and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its five channels: National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Adventure and Nat Geo Music.

Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S. which is a joint venture of NGT and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in 270 million homes in 166 countries and 34 languages. 

About DHL

DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets.

DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Some 300,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations. DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. The group generated revenues of more than 63 bn euros in 2007. For the latest news and happenings about DHL in Asia Pacific, please visit http://press.ap.dhl.com

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition to 2.8 million adults and children with intellectual disabilities across 180 countries. The Special Olympics movement offers one of the world's greatest platforms for acceptance and inclusion for all people -- regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or cultural differences.

For more information: www.specialolympics.org.

For more information, please contact:

National Geographic Channel Asia (Singapore)

Esther Ng

Tel:   +65 6325 3810

Email:       estherng@ngcasia.com

National Geographic Channel India

Manjari Singh Malik

Tel:   +91 11 6656 7945

Email:       manjaris@in.startv.com

National Geographic Channel Asia (People’s Republic of China)

Olive Deng

Tel:   + 86 10 8518 8500 x7268

Email:       xdeng@cn.startv.com

Issued by:

Fulford Public Relations

Eileen Chua / Pamela Wu

Tel        : +65 6324 2416 / +65 6324 5302

Mobile     : +65 9048 3141 / +65 9650 1641