Special Olympics "Special Spirit in China Award Of Excellence" Presented to Dedicated Friends of Special Olympics and City of Shanghai

Special Olympics "Special Spirit in China Award Of Excellence" Presented to Dedicated Friends of Special Olympics and City of Shanghai

October 05, 2007

    SHANGHAI, China, Oct. 5 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- In a
star-studded event at the Shanghai Oriental Arts Center,
Special Olympics honored twelve extraordinary individuals
and the city of Shanghai for the "special"
contributions they have made and continue to make to
promote and raise awareness of the understanding and
acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities, and
the Special Olympics movement around the world.  Guests
included Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Timothy Shriver, Maria
Shriver, Quincy Jones, Colin Farrell, Bianca Jagger, Donna
deVerona and Special Olympics International Global
Messengers with performances by Vanessa L. Williams, Lang
Lang, Sun Rue and Yang Chen. 

    (Logo:
http://www.xprn.com.cn/xprn/sa/200611161203-min.jpg )

    "All of the 'Special Spirit in China Award of
Excellence' honorees have been longtime fans of the Special
Olympics movement.  They've dedicated their lives to enhance
our efforts and educate the world about the accomplishments
of individuals with intellectual disabilities," said
Special Olympics International Chairman Timothy Shriver.

    Special Spirit in China Awards of Excellence were
presented to:  

    -- Nelson Mandela for his "special lifetime global
leadership in 
       promoting human dignity" 
    -- Deng Pufang for his "special leadership in
promoting understanding 
       and acceptance through sport" 
    -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for
"his special 
       leadership in raising the profile and awareness for
Special Olympics 
       worldwide"
    -- Vanessa Williams for her "special artistry and
commitment in the 
       support of Special Olympics worldwide"
    -- Nadia Comanici and Yao Ming for their "special
international 
       contributions to the glory of sport"   
    -- Special Olympics athlete Stacey Johnston for her
"special 
       inspiration and leadership among athletes of all
nations"
    -- Drs. Paul Berman and Stephen Pearlman for their
"special 
       contributions to the health and well being of people
with 
       intellectual disabilities."
    -- The city of Shanghai for its "special
hospitality, grace and 
       friendship in hosting the 2007 World Summer
Games"
    -- Ray and Stephanie Lane for their "special
support and encouragement 
       of the global Special Olympics movement"
    -- Air Marshall Denzil Joseph Keelor for his
"special efforts 
       enhancing the Special Olympics movement in
India"  

    Special Olympics is an international nonprofit
organization dedicated to empowering individuals with
intellectual disabilities to become physically fit,
productive and respected members of society through sports
training and competition.  Founded in 1968 by Eunice
Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides year-round
sports training and competition to 2.5 million adults and
children with intellectual disabilities across 165
countries.  The Special Olympics Movement offers one of the
world's greatest platforms for acceptance and inclusion for
all people--regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or
cultural differences.  Corporate sponsors of Special
Olympics include: adidas, Bank of America, The Coca-Cola
Company, DHL, Mattel, Inc. and Mattel Children's
Foundation, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Find
out how you can become involved at
http://www.specialolympics.org .


    For more information, please contact:

     Shavonne Harding 
     Special Olympics International
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail]