Chinese Ambassador hosts Special Olympics athletes

Chinese Ambassador Chai Xi hosted to dinner the Maltese athletes who participated in the World Summer Games of the Special Olympics held in Shanghai.

The occasion, held at the Chinese Embassy, in St Julians, allowed 19 youths to cap an extraordinary experience which saw them winning 33 medals between them.

The seven gold, 11 silver and 17 bronze medals were achieved after competing in gymnastics, swimming, athletics and bowling between October 2 and 11, in the midst of some 7,000 athletes hailing from 163 different countries.

The Special Olympics aim to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to become fit, productive and respected members of society through sports, training and competition.

Mr Chai said the positive results achieved by the Maltese contingent surely strengthen the belief that the slogan Yes I Can is exceedingly fitting for the Special Olympics. He congratulated the Maltese athletes telling them: "You did Malta proud".

Athlete representative Christopher Gregory, himself a winner at the Special Olympics, addressed those present, injecting his speech with a healthy dose of the enthusiasm with which his fellow athletes embarked on their athletic accomplishments.

Representatives of the Malta Olympic Committee were also present.