Special Olympics China sent its athlete delegation off to the Special Olympics World Winter pre-games in Nagano, Japan with a celebratory night of Unified Sports bowling on February 25, 2004 in Beijing. The celebration was also held to thank the volunteers, sponsors, and committee members who made the 2003 Very Special Christmas Gala a huge success last December. The proceeds from the Gala, over $70,000, helped to fund the travel costs for the Special Olympics China athletes to the pre-games as well as two winter sports camps in Harbin and Qingdao held earlier in February.

Twenty Special Olympics China athletes from several different provinces were accompanied by seven coaches and staff members to this evening of bowling and pizza, held at the Gong Ti 100 Bowling Lanes. The games were kicked-off with a speech by Special Olympics Athlete Tang Guodong, expressing his excitement over the upcoming games in Japan--his first international trip! As the athletes joined the volunteers and supporters in the Unified Sports teams, several athletes were seen giving friendly pointers and tips to the less-experienced bowlers on their teams. The teams played 2 games each, giving everyone the opportunity to play at least one game with the athletes. The evening concluded with the presentation of a cake to the athletes and a last-minute phone call from Special Olympics Games organizers in Japan wishing all the athletes a safe trip.

This was a very positive night for Special Olympics China as athletes of varying abilities and levels were able to share the excitement of their impending trip with an international group of supporters. Special Olympics sponsors attending with their families were able to enjoy the excitement of the athletes and wish them well before the games in Japan.