Shanghai Daily news

Preparations for the 2007 Special Olympic Summer Games are almost complete as Shanghai tries to become an 'easy access' city.

A series of easy access facilities have been constructed or upgraded including elevators, toilets, service counters and telephone booths in the Pudong International Airport and the Hongqiao Airport.

Renovation of 31 sports venues in the city's 19 districts and counties finished in June and they are currently under trial operation.

At the Nanhui Sports Center, where Judo matches will be held, different colors and signs are used to specify different sections in the center and ramps were set up beside the podium for athletes.

A total of 96 selected hotels have arranged special treatment for the visitors. Many are replacing glasses with plastic or paper cups and several employees have been trained in foreign languages including Spanish and Arabic.

More than 2,000 exclusive vehicles will transport athletes and 16 shuttle bus routes have been arranged between venues.

Nearly 40,000 volunteers will accompany and care for the athletes. So far, 11,012 athletes and coaches from 163 countries and regions have confirmed their participation in the event, which will run from October 2 to October 11.