Dear Friends, This past year marked amazing milestones as we surpassed our five-year goal of doubling the number of athletes participating in Special Olympics around the world. There are now more than 2.25 million athletes who train and compete in more than 160 countries. We were honored that President and Mrs. Bush celebrated this achievement by hosting a gala dinner party at the White House in July. Also, this was the first year where we held Regional Games or major sporting events in every region of the world. Next year promises to be even more exciting. We will hold our largest World Games ever from 2-11 October in Shanghai, China. The 2007 World Summer Games will unite more than 7,000 athletes from over 100 nations on a world stage. These athletes will showcase the Special Olympics movement on a new level, celebrating the abilities and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities and fostering a new global vision of acceptance. Athletes across the globe have begun their training to prepare for their journey to Shanghai and we look forward to sharing their accomplishments with a vast global audience. With about 30,000 events each year, Special Olympics is changing the lives of those who come in contact with our movement every day, as well as changing attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities. In 2007, we will help the world to “rethink” the significance of the Special Olympics movement to the world. We hope that everyone will recognize that, through Special Olympics, we can create a “world without” – beauty without vanity, gold without riches, friendship without requirements, pride without prejudice and love without boundaries. As you help us celebrate our accomplishments and look to the future, I hope you will continue to reach out to friends, family, classmates, co-workers and neighbors, and share how Special Olympics has made an impact on your life and invite them to join our movement to share in that transforming experience. Bruce Pasternack President and CEO