Singapore, 2 October, 2007 – Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, will be in Shanghai, China from 2-5 October 2007  to support Singapore’s athletes in the Special Olympics World Games.  The Games are being held for the first time in Asia.

2          Twenty-eight athletes from Singapore will participate in the 2007 Special Olympics World Games.  Held from 2 to 11 October in Shanghai, the World Games aims to unite people through sports, by celebrating the abilities and accomplishments of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

3          Singapore’s participation at the Special Olympics World Games is timely as the country prepares for its bid to be the Host City of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2010. “We look forward to Singaporeans’ support of our athletes at the Special Olympics World Games. I hope they will also extend their support and enthusiasm for our nation’s bid to host the YOG”, said Dr Balakrishnan.

4          Since the first Special Olympics World Games held in Chicago USA in July 1968, the event has grown to become an important international athletic event. Every two years, thousands of Special Olympics athletes from around the world come together to showcase their athletic skills and celebrate the spirit of the Special Olympics. Alternating between Summer and Winter Games, the Special Olympics World Games features intense competition and inspiring performances by the athletes of the Special Olympics.

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Issued by:

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS

2 October 2007

For further information, please contact:

Ms Yvonne Lum

Assistant Manager

Communications and International Relations

Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports

DID: 6354 8174

HP: 9090 3051

Email: Yvonne_LUM@mcys.gov.sg