Shanghai Daily news

Athletes will have time to relax before taking part in the fierce sports competition of the 2007 Special Olympic World Summer Games.

The Host Town Program, a vital part of the non-sporting events during the Games, will run from September 28 to October 1, said the Games' executive committee.

Altogether 144 neighborhood communities from the city's 18 districts and Chongming County will take part in the program, along with another 11 cities in the country, said the committee.

About 1,880 families, including those of hurdling star Liu Xiang, well-known movie director Xie Jin and ex-soccer star Fan Zhiyi, have been selected to host about 9,000 delegation members from about 160 countries and regions.

The main events of the program will include:

A welcome ceremony. Every community will hold a welcome party for the delegations and then arrange for them to stay in hotels.

A welcome banquet. Athletes will be able to try delicious Chinese food while enjoying an entertaining show.

Body-building exercises. Athletes will have some friendly matches with local Special Olympic athletes, to adapt to the city's weather and environment and tone up before the events.

Visiting a local family. Delegation members will gain a general idea of the life of a typical Shanghai family, enjoying folk arts and sports, and authentic homemade dishes.

Visiting scenic spots. Some districts will organize trips to famous attractions such as museums and parks.

A farewell party. The communities' residents will hold a get-together party for the delegations the night before they leave. Gifts with Chinese characteristics or photo albums of the delegations will be presented to the athletes.

The whole program will be arranged according to athletes' physical needs, said the committee's Host Town Program department.