Beijing, November 16, 2005 - Special Olympics today hosted a luncheon in Beijing with California First Lady Maria Shriver honoring 50 "Remarkable Women of China" who have made significant contributions to society in China across various industries.

Guests at the luncheon included Chinese government officials, corporate CEOs, artists, founders of non-profit organizations and other women who have made a difference in China such as Zhang Xin, co-CEO of SOHO China; Tian Huiping, founder of the Stars and Rain Education Institute for Autism; Tang Xiaoquan, President of the China Disabled Persons' Federation; Li Qingyuan, Director-General for the Office of Strategy and Development at the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC); and Jia Sirui, a Special Olympics athlete and former Special Olympics Global Messenger.

In addition to reiterating her support for Special Olympics and for women's causes, Maria Shriver also saw today's luncheon as a way to broaden her understanding of unique issues confronting women of Chinese descent living in California. "I'm thrilled to meet these remarkable women of China who are the architects of change," said Maria Shriver. "We have such a wonderfully diverse group of women here, including Special Olympics athletes, family leaders, business leaders and supporters."

Special Olympics was delighted to host this event with Maria Shriver, who is a longtime supporter of Special Olympics. Her mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, is a truly remarkable woman and founded the non-profit organization in 1968. Maria is on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics and is actively involved with Special Olympics programs around the world.

"I was so happy to be able to thank Maria in person today for all that she and her family have done for Special Olympics athletes like me," said Special Olympics athlete Jia Sirui. "Participating in Special Olympics has changed my life. I used to be very shy but after joining Special Olympics, I became much more confident and even became a Global Messenger. That makes Maria one of the most remarkable women in the world in my eyes."

Today's luncheon was sponsored by Imperial Tours.