Shanghai Daily news

Athletes and law enforcement officials from China and the United States said on Wednesday the 2007 Special Olympics and the ongoing torch run can help arouse social awareness and respect for mentally disabled individuals.

Dozens of people extended their best wishes for the games, to be held in Shanghai in October, during a ceremony at the headquarters of Special Olympics International in Washington, DC.

The Olympic torch for the event was scheduled to be lit at a White House ceremony involving US President George W. Bush early this morning.

"You will see a world that is coming together" through the Special Olympics, said David Egan, a 29-year-old Special Olympics athlete from Virginia. "You should pursue your dreams there. That's where the dreams come true."

Qiao Meili, a Special Olympic athlete from Shanghai who was to help light the torch, said she felt proud to be a torch bearer and would try her best to fulfill the responsibility.

"I think the atmosphere around the world for the Special Olympics is very good and a lot of people pay attention to us," Qiao said. "Although holding the torch high for a long time is a bit tough for me, I'll do my best."

A string of Chinese and US law enforcement officials are expected to assist Special Olympics athletes during the torch run and demonstrate their support for people with intellectual disabilities.

"We hope the run in Washington can bring about more attention and care for mentally handicapped people," said policeman Lu Yingjie, who together with policewoman Li Yujun will represent Chinese law enforcement officials at the event.

Lu, who has taken part in the first three stops of the international torch relay, said he brought 60 Chinese knots with him and will give them to Special Olympics athletes and officials in the US.

"The decorative knots are a bridge that links us with foreign friends."

Bob Gobrecht, managing director of the Special Olympics North America, said the Shanghai games will further stoke public attention about the mentally disabled and will boost ties between China and the US in terms of helping those people.