The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) became the first international school to become involved with the Special Olympics China Adopt-a-School program. On March 6, more than 630 elementary students, their siblings and parents as well as WAB administrators and teachers took part in an aerobic marathon to “adopt” nearby Shunyi Special School. Special Olympics China launched the Adopt-A-School program as a means for businesses and individuals to directly support the development of Special Olympics activities at special education schools in China.

WAB raised nearly $2,000 USD that will be used to purchase new sports equipment as well as provide athletic training and additional competitions for the Shunyi Special Olympics athletes. WAB didn't stop there… the Head Basketball Coach and teacher, Mike Callero, implemented a Special Olympics After-School Activity this spring. This inaugural community service course is for WAB middle and high school students so they could learn more about Special Olympics and volunteer to organize a small basketball skills competition and a Unified Sports ? Basketball game with the Shunyi Special School. The culminating event will take place at WAB on Tuesday, June 1 st —appropriately, this is China's Youth Day!