Local weather authorities in Shanghai have developed a
rain-prevention scheme to ensure the opening and closing ceremonies
and torch relay for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in
October are not interrupted.
The city has been trying to improve its meteorological services
to serve the event, including providing accurate weather forecasts
and air quality reports.
The Shanghai meteorological bureau, in cooperation with its
counterparts in neighboring provinces, said it will use advanced
technologies to prevent rainy days during the event, which will
involve 7,500 athletes, 40,000 volunteers, 3,500 event officials
and thousands of families, spectators and journalists from around
the world.
Shanghai is the first Asian city to host the Special Olympics,
and this will be only the second time the Games have been held
outside the US.
Running from October 2-11, the meteorological department was
concerned the Games could be hit by the start of the rainy
season.
Zhou Taitong, the vice-mayor of Shanghai, said: "We need
reliable weather forecasts and the rain-prevention service to
ensure a successful event for the special athletes and everyone
involved in the various events."
The Shanghai meteorological department is to expand its
observation facilities to help provide precise weather forecasts
for the various venues.
Meanwhile, photographers are being invited to submit entries for
a competition celebrating the Games. The best entries will be shown
at an exhibition and also included in a book.
Entries should reflect the dedication and devotion of Special
Olympians and the people who work with them.
The Special Olympics was started in the 1960s by Eunice Kennedy
Shriver, sister of John F. Kennedy. This year's event will feature
athletes of all abilities competing in 25 sporting and performance
events, with the emphasis more on taking part than on winning.
The flame of Hope for the Games has traveled through Greece,
Egypt, Great Britain, the US and South Korea on its way to
Shanghai.
(China Daily August 28, 2007)