The competitions of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games were in full swing with actions on Thursday in marathon, badminton, table tennis and the Motor Activities Training Program (MATP).

Altogether 23 runners from 17 countries and regions took part in the marathon race, the first athletics event which was held in Yangpu District of Shanghai.

The two-day MATP turned out a success. It was the second time that the demonstrating event was held at Special Olympics. Four years ago the event was first introduced into the Special Olympics Summer Games in Ireland.

Shanghai sent 161 athletes into the event. Each athlete was accompanied by a volunteer. All the athletes took time to warm up before their demonstration and finished the movements with coaches' guidance and volunteers' help.

The MATP of the 2007 Special Olympics had nine events with ball roll, two-feet standing long jump, ball push and walking being held on Wednesday morning, and ball lift, wheelchair push, ball kick, putter push and 10-pin bowling contested on Thursday.

After the competitions, every athlete was awarded a medal and a toy of panda, representing the spirit of "Participate equally and share in the joy of the Special Olympics."

The MATP athletes were also offered a physical examination on Wednesday afternoon, to improve their capabilities in training and competition in the Games. Doctors measured their muscle recovery rates and recommended suitable sports.
?
(Xinhua News Agency October 6, 2007)