Special Olympic competitors Zheng Ying (left) and Zheng Yan proudly show their copies of The Pocket Encyclopedia of Special Olympics after the book was launched yesterday. -Shanghai Daily

A Special Olympics encyclopedia was launched yesterday at the Shanghai Book Fair - the first comprehensive guide to the games in Chinese.

The pocket encyclopedia is illustrated and includes articles on the history of the Special Olympics.

The book tells of the concept, the development and the milestones of the Special Olympics. Sporting and non-sporting highlights are discussed along with a guide to the venues for this year's games in Shanghai.

"It is a gift to all the athletes participating in the Special Olympics. It has a humane approach and asks more people to participate in the games," said Zhang Xiaomin, the editor in chief of the Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House which produced the book.

Marathon runner Zhao Zengzeng, representing the 40,000 special athletes, thanked the publishers and contributors to the book.

Compiled by the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games executive committee, the book has a preface by Zhou Taitong, vice chairman of the games' executive committee.

Over 200 local Sunshine Homes, an organization especially for the mentally challenged young people, will receive copies of the book for free, said the committee.