The Steering Committee of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games held a press conference themed "When Art Meets the Special Olympics"in Shanghai.

Celebrity spokespersons in attendance included international film stars Colin Farrell and Eva Mendes, Hong Kong pop star Karen Mok, and Chinese film stars Vicki Zhao and Xu Zheng all attended the press conference. These global spokespersons contributed to the "Special Olympics Wall of Art" by creating their own pottery plates in which they autographed and presented to the Special Olympics athletes. Yao Mingbao, Deputy Secretary General, and Bruce Pasternack, CEO of Special Olympics International also appeared at the press conference.

These celebrities will join the league of Special Olympics global spokespersons, which already boasts a stellar portfolio of spokespersons such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, famous tennis player Leyton Hewitt, Gymnastics Olympics Champion Nadia Comaneci, NBA basketball player Yao Ming etc. Their star power is expected to amplify awareness and the development of the 2007 Games. At the press conference, Yao Ming and Bruce Willis, international film star and Special Olympics Global Spokespersons newcomer for 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, extended a warm welcome to the other celebrities through a TV short film, and expressed hope of making the 2007 Games the most spectacular one. Colin Farrell, Eva Mendes, Karen Mok, Vicki Zhao and Xu Zheng commented that they are fully aware of their missions as role models and are dedicated to disseminating the message of“embracing differences”to all corners of the world through their widespread influence. The celebrities feel honored to be global spokespeople for the Special Olympics, and see this role as an opportunity to provide services to 2,500,000 Special Olympics athletes and to their families around the world. They also expressed the hope of raising awareness and respect for the intellectually disabled and their families, and to highlight the Special Olympics spirit of“I know I can!”

Bruce Pasternack, CEO of Special Olympics International, commented that the Special Olympics World Summer Games is an event for the intellectually disabled around the world, is an opportunity for“Inclusion of All”and also bring understanding about the lives of the intellectually disabled. Colin Farrell and Eva Mendes along with Karen Mok, Vicki Zhao and Xu Zheng, who all undoubtedly attract the attention of people in China and around the world will generate awareness for Special Olympics athletes and all people with intellectual disabilities. Their support for the 2007 Games is welcomed by the 13,000,000 intellectually disabled people in China, and to their families as well. Bruce Pasternack also expects these global spokespersons to bridge cultural communication and promote harmonious communities.

“Special Olympics Wall of Art”was designed by Zheng Yi, renowned pottery artist. The wall will complete production towards the end of September 2007, and is co-produced by Special Olympic athletes across ten cities in China, including Shanghai. Societal elites and those from entertainment circles will also contribute and emphasize the concept of“embracing differences.”Consisting of 525 pottery plates, the front side of the wall exhibits the design concept of each participant, and the back side displays each producer’s own autograph.

Pasternack also commented,“The Special Olympics Wall of Art will be exhibited outside Shanghai Stadium during the 2007 games. This wall will display efforts made by people from all walks of life to symbolize the spirit of equal participation. Our aim is to empower Special Olympics athletes and for all to be a part of the the Special Olympics Global movement. As you admire the artwork, you will be inspired by the courage and passion of the athletes and will be amazed by the support from all circles of society for our movement.”

Yao Mingbao, Deputy Secretary General commented that they are grateful for the amount of volunteers from the entertainment and art circles. They are confident that the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games will be one of the most exciting and successful ones in the history of Special Olympics movement.