The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) International School Holds Annual WABathon Exercise Marathon with Proceeds Going to Special Olympics 

The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) announced that it will be raising funds and greater awareness for Special Olympics through WABathon 2005. WAB is holding its annual WABathon on Saturday, January 29 from 9-11AM at the WAB Gym.

WABathon is a two-hour fun program of aerobic exercises and routines promoting healthy lifestyles and fitness for everyone, and supports the popular Chinese notion of “quan min jian shen.” The focus is about taking part and having fun for all concerned. Over 600 children and adults hailing from all over the world will be participating in this event including WAB students, the Jing Hua Primary School in Beijing’s Beigao district, and the Shunyi and Chongwen Special Schools. 2 of the 19 total routines will be led by students from the Chongwen and Shunyi Schools.

WAB is delighted that Nokia will be sponsoring the event. Nokia’s sponsorship will enable WAB to donate all funds raised from ticket sales to Special Olympics athletes in Beijing. The funds raised at this year's WABathon will continue to support the Adopt-a-School partnership between Shunyi Special School and WAB by providing new sports equipment and enhanced training opportunities for these Special Olympics China athletes.

“This event is driven by our belief in health and fitness coupled with total community participation.” said Jane Mycroft, a WABathon founder and organizer. Said John McBryde, WAB Director, “WAB is enormously proud to be a friend to Special Olympics in China. We are natural partners really - both of us holding very similar values. In particular the concepts of ‘inclusion’ and participation are very evident in this WABathon event.”

George Smith, Managing Director for Special Olympics East Asia said, “WAB has been exceptional in its support for Special Olympics. Their partnership with Shunyi Special School has made a huge impact on the Special Olympics athletes there and is helping to create awareness and changing attitudes about peoples with intellectual disabilities.”

About Special Olympics

Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for more than 1.4 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people’s diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics online at www.specialolympics.org and www.specialolympicseastasia.org.

About Adopt-a-School

A program organized by SO China and supports the efforts of the local special schools to enhance Special Olympics activities in their communities. With a modest amount of funding, the schools are able to provide increased sports training and competition and purchase new equipment and team uniforms. Currently 10 of the 22 special schools have been adopted by corporations or educational institutions.

About WAB

The Western Academy of Beijing was established in 1994 as a non-profit English language independent international school serving the expatriate community in Beijing. WAB is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the International Program to approximately 1,000 students from Nursery to Grade 10.