Special Olympics opens in Shanghai

Chinese President Hu Jintao declares the opening of the 2007 Special Olympic World Summer Games at the opening ceremony held in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 2, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)

The 2007 Special Olympics has begun in Shanghai. Chinese President Hu Jintao addressed the opening ceremony, which was attended by celebrities from home and abroad.

Powerful heart beats. Though he's intellectually disabled, his musical talent shows life at its most glorious and fulfilling.

The opening ceremony of the Special Olympics drew world attention to people with intellectual disabilities. Shanghai Mayor delivered a speech at the ceremony.

Han Zheng, mayor of Shanghai, said, "Holding the 2007 Special Olympics Summer World Games is an honorable mission. Now I want to thank all those who have contributed their efforts to the event, and those who promote the concepts of fairness, acceptance and tolerance. It will be an event to show dignity and love of the human beings."

Chinese President Hu Jintao announced the opening of the ceremony.

It's the first time the Special Olympics has come to an Asian city. 164 countries and regions are taking part. A record of over 7 thousand athletes will take part in the Games, making it the biggest in Special Olympics history.