26 mentally handicapped Argentine athletes yesterday traveled to China to compete in the Special Summer Olympics which runs from Oct. 2 to 11 in Shanghai, China, and has attracted 7,000 athletes from 170 countries and regions.

The group was given a formal send off by Claudio Morresi, the nation's sports minister, who said: "we are very happy to help you to have this adventure".

The athletes, who are between 10 and 38, will compete in horse riding, swimming, athletics, cycling, speed skating, gymnastics and basketball.