Thirty intellectually disabled teenagers and volunteers from 18
nations and regions shared their friendship, joy and ideas at a
forum held on Friday to fight stereotypes and spread the message of
the Special Olympics.
The 2007 Global Youth Summit, in conjunction with the ongoing
Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, offered young
people an opportunity to talk openly about their needs and
expectations and seek ways to reverse stereotyped attitudes about
those who are mentally disadvantaged .
The 30 pairs of students each had a Special Olympics athlete
accompanied by a peer from a middle school or college. The event
also brought together adult celebrities from China and abroad to
lend their support.
At yesterday's summit, Piao Roubing, 17, an athlete from
Northeast China, recalled her friendship with her partner, Zhao
Xiaoyue, who now studies at a Shanghai university. After meeting at
a community forum five years ago, the two have been in contact to
share both their happiness and troubles.
"I was surprised when I received a short message from her one
day to consult me about her pains in growing up," said the
19-year-old Zhao. "I feel I am very important to her and she
encourages me to have the power and determination to change
lives."
Compared with many others, people with intellectual disabilities
are more sincere and pure, Zhao said. "She once misunderstood my
friendly roughhousing with other girls and offered to help me,
which made me very impressed."
Asked to describe her companion, Piao said the older girl was
respectful, lovely and optimistic.
"She is a great sister," Piao said.
The summit yesterday included a moving moment when Piao, with
her eyes covered, was asked to identify Zhao among a group of
individuals -- including movie star Colin Farrell -- by only
feeling their hands.
With little difficulty the girl recognized her friend's hand.
"It's hard to describe very clearly, but the feeling (of her hand)
is different."
Participants at the summit also took part in interactive games,
noting that the Special Olympics provides young people the
opportunity to make an immediate difference in the lives of people
with intellectual disabilities.
"I find friendship with my partner in basketball," said Serbian
athlete Darko Boskovic.
Global Youth Summits are held in conjunction with the Special
Olympics World Games every two years. The inaugural Global Youth
Summit was held in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, during the
2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
(China Daily October 6, 2007)