Shanghai Daily news

Shanghai housewife Gao Qian and her family have met some new friends - and received a short course in compassion - thanks to a volunteer program organized by the Special Olympics executive committee.

Gao's family, and the others taking part in the program, agreed to organize five outings with Special Olympics athletes and their families under "Special Olympic e-home."

The project was organized by the Special Olympics executive committee and the Website Shanghai Online (www.online.sh.cn) to help local families learn more about people with intellectual disabilities.

Altogether 20 local families volunteered to take part in the program.

Gao's family and its new friends have met twice so far now, and the children involved seem to be enjoying the new relationship.

Gao has an eight-year-old son, Sun Yizhou, nicknamed Zhenzhen. As Zhenzhen has many boy cousins, the mother told the organizers that she wanted to find a Special Olympics family with a daughter.

Her wish came true when the parents of 14-year-old Li Chuanyang contacted them. The girl, who is now studying at Nanyang Junior High School in Xuhui District, developed a slight intellectual disability after an accident. She loves sports and is especially good at softball.

"The first time, we went to the Riverside Avenue in Pudong New Area for a walk," Gao said. "The girl's mother, Zhao Xiaomei, was shy and a bit embarrassed and was not very willing to talk."

The two families became more friendly after several phone conversations. And when they went to the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum on July 15, the two mothers found they could talk easily.

"At that time, the children went off for recreational activities by themselves, and we two sat together for a long conversation. Zhao told me a lot about her family," Gao said.

Zhao Xiaomei is unemployed, and her husband is a security guard.

"Our daughter didn't have many opportunities to go out before, and I know she is enjoying the liaison activity very much," Zhao said. "Every one in Gao's family is very nice, and we appreciate what they've done for us."

Gao said Li will travel in Beijing with her classmates and teachers, and Gao plans to invite her and her family to get together when she returns to the city.

"We want to establish long-term relations, rather than a short-time contact ending with the end of the Games," Gao said.

"I think this activity gives more people an opportunity to understand intellectually disabled people and their families. They should receive more concern from the society, as most have a tough life."

It also taught Gao's son some important lessons.

Zhenzhen said he's enjoying his new friend: "I don't think she's any different from anyone else."