Shanghai Daily news

Zeng Yi, mother of Special Olympics athlete Zhao Zengzeng, was awarded the "Maurice R. Greenberg Achievement Award" yesterday, for her persistent efforts in taking care of and fostering her daughter in the 19 years since the girl was born.

The award was established at the Global Family Forum to recognize families of Special Olympics athletes and their contributions to the development of intellectually disabled children and the promotion of the Special Olympics spirit.

Zeng's husband died 10 years ago, leaving Zeng and two daughters. Zeng, who was unemployed, didn't give up Zhao, who born with Down Syndrome.

During this year's Games, Zhao's bright smiling face, covered with her mother's kiss marks, was on thousands of posters in the city.

Zeng hopes her daughter's tenacity and optimism can be seen as proof that as long as they work hard and persevere, the intellectually disabled can be integrated into society and have a bright future.

Greenberg has an outstanding reputation in global business and a rich understanding of Shanghai and China. His donation to the Games made him the Games' biggest donor, and one of the biggest donors in the history of the Special Olympics.