Remarks by Vice Mayor Zhou at the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games Distinguished guests, Dear friends, Good evening! On behalf of the Steering Committee of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all the Special Olympics athlete families from Shanghai and other 11 cities participating in the Host Town Program. Special Olympics is a movement built on the pillars of skill, courage, sharing and joy. On the stage of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games jointly created by Special Olympics International and Shanghai, athletes around the globe have deeply moved us with their self-confidence, courage, ingenuousness and determination. They have shown us how marvelous they are every day since the opening of the Games. When more and more people are attracted by the joy of the movement and get involved in it, every one becomes a participant of this grand event, and every one is a special winner. An inclusive, joyful and harmonious world where all the Special Olympics athlete families can participate in the society equally and benefit from social progress is a dream that is now coming true. Harmony needs the commitment and support from the government and the understanding and involvement of the whole society. What's more, it also needs the confidence and courage of every Special Olympics family. I think the spirit of equality, inclusion and acceptance advocated by Special Olympics movement won't be translated into realities without our joint efforts. Compared to other families, Special Olympics families have to be braver and work harder to make it come true. You not only need to surmount your own difficulties, but also need to change the social bias, discrimination and exclusion with confidence, courage and an open mind. However, please do believe that you will not be alone should there be any difficulty. Our athletes on each field of play proves to the world that they can reach the finishing line although they run unsteadily, they can tap their infinite potential although their arms are still gentle, and they can tell us the very heart of life with their courage although physically they are not strong enough. Special Olympics athlete families have every reason to believe that their athletes can also become the winners so long as they are brave enough to attempt. Today, representatives of Special Olympics athlete families and volunteer families from Shanghai and other 11 cities are about to kick off their 5-day unified journey here. Through watching the games and participating in various activities, families can experience Special Olympics movement in a more direct and in-depth way and appreciate Special Olympics spirit. I sincerely hope that all the families present here today can share with us the unique achievements and funs of the Games. I even more hope that these five days are only the first step of your journey. You are expected to bring these experiences back to your life and your city and share them with more people. May the Special Olympics spirit be with you every step in your life journey. In conclusion, I wish you have a successful unified journey. Wish all the families enjoy your stay in Shanghai. Wish you a hopeful and pleasant journey in your whole life. Thank you. Vice Mayor Zhou