In patronage of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games to be held in Shanghai, China, luxury brand Louis Vuitton will contribute a portion of its flagship store opening in Beijing to the World Games Executive Committee.

? This latest donation represents the significant support and encouragement that the 2007 World Games is receiving from international brands in China.

? Newly appointed Caring Ambassador, and internationally-renown athlete, Liu Xiang attended the event, along with famous film directors Zhang Yimou, Xu Jing Lei and Zhao Wei. a€?Ia€?m proud to be involved with the World Games and look forward to working more closely with Special Olympics athletes, such as those in attendance here today, Miss Sirui Jia and Miss Judy Yang,a€? said Xiang at the event.

? Dr Shi Derong, Chief Executive Officer of the 2007 World Games Executive Committee, praised Louis Vuittona€?s fundraising support, saying: a€?I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Louis Vuitton brand for graciously donating funds from the first day of retail sales in their flagship Beijing store. Their support illustrates the diversity of our supporters and conveys our key objective, a€?inclusion of alla€?. As we strive to develop the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities by society, the support of well-known individuals and major corporations will continue to provide inspiration and encouragement.a€?

? a€?Such fundraising support illustrates the value of corporate support to the Special Olympics movement in China,a€? mentioned Dr Shi. a€?As we prepare for the upcoming 2007 World Games over the next two years, the support and encouragement of our sponsors and partners will be crucial. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Louis Vuitton for being such a great role model to other major corporations, by taking its supporting corporate social responsibilities so seriously.

Louis Vuitton opened its first store in China in 1992 in Beijing's Palace Hotel and has operated at Plaza 66 in Shanghai since 2001. Its current nationwide expansion is intended to meet soaring demand for its products. Todaya's flagship store opening in Beijing also offered the opportunity for attending celebrities, to donate items for charity auction and fundraising.