SHANGHAI, October 7 -- Pirie Grossman, co-chairman of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, yesterday promised an exciting experience to the athletes who will take part in the event in Boise, Idaho, in the United States.

"A lot of people will come to Idaho for the first time," Grossman said.

"The beauty is phenomenal out there, the mountain is just spectacular. I believe many of them have never seen such beautiful snow and mountain before. It's gonna be an exciting experience."

Grossman, in Shanghai for the Summer Games, said she is sure the athletes have been training just as hard for the winter sports, so safety will not be a problem.

"Besides, we have an invitational games next February. It is a test event where six to 10 delegations will participate," she said.

Boise will host the Winter Games from February 6 to 13, 2009, and more than 2,000 athletes from 100 countries and regions are expected to compete in seven Olympic-type sports.

Following in the footsteps of Nagano, Japan, host of the 2005 World Winter Games, and joining Shanghai, the host of the 2007 Summer Games, this event will be the biggest multi-sport event ever held in the state of Idaho.

"I never expected the Special Olympics could have such a huge impact on the local people. We have got about 20 people here to take notes, witness everything that happens, and will come home to share it with the people there," Grossman said.

"They just don't know how big the scope is, and how many citizens will get involved in the big occasion."

Alternating between Summer and Winter Games, the Special Olympics World Games is a world-class sporting event that brings public attention to the talents and capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities, helping to change attitudes and break down barriers that exclude them from the mainstream of the community.

A year out from the Beijing Olympics, Grossman also predicted another big Chinese success.

"I would love to visit Beijing, but we will be getting very busy for the Winter Games and there will be no extra time, but it is going to be wonderful, as I am impressed by the Chinese people during the Shanghai Special Olympics.

"You guys really know how to arrange a party and how to celebrate."