Yao and movie star Zhang assist Special Olympics

BEIJING - China basketball icon Yao Ming and international movie star Zhang Ziyi visited the China Administration of Sport for Persons with Disabilities in Beijing on Sunday as the national team prepared to head off to the Special Olympics' World Summer Games in Athens.

"It is always fun for me to play with these kids," said Yao, who has been involved in helping intellectually-challenged people since 2004. "They always try their best in sport and inspire the people around them," he said.

"Everyone has defects. I don't' think I'm a very smart player, but I always believe that hard work can make up for lack of talent," Yao said after chatting with the basketball team.

Yao and Zhang, both global ambassadors for the Special Olympics, will also attend the opening ceremony of the Athens Special Olympic Games, which will be held from June 25 to July 4.

"I will be in Greece watching the opening ceremony. I will also watch you play basketball from the stand. I will cheer for you guys and hope you can get a good result," said Yao, who led the Chinese team to eighth place at the 2004 Athens Summer Games.

But the 30-year-old, still battling an ankle injury, declined to talk about his chances of playing at next year's London Olympic Games.

Zhang, who interacted with the gymnasts during the event, said she admired the Special Olympians for their dedication and determination.

"I tried to copy their moves, but it was really hard. So you can imagine, they must have already overcome much more difficulties to make it this far," Zhang said. "I just hope they can enjoy the gathering in Athens. They are already winners in our hearts by challenging themselves so hard."

More than 7,500 athletes from about 180 countries and regions will participate in the 13th Special Olympic Games in Athens. Ninety-seven Chinese athletes will take part in 11 events. China first sent a team to the 1987 Special Olympic Games in Indiana, United States. Shanghai hosted the event in 2007.

China Daily

(China Daily 06/21/2011 page24)