  From October 2 to 11, 2007, thousands of athletes from all over the world met in Shanghai, China, for the 12th Special Olympics World Games. This prestigious sport get-together, the peak of achievement for all athletes, was the first Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Asia and the second international Special Olympics competition to take place on that continent. In 2005, Nagano hosted the World Winter Games.
The event brought together 10,000 athletes, coaches and members of delegations from more than 160 countries as well as 43,500 volunteers and officials, thousands of parents, government leaders and dignitaries, educators, spectators and journalists from all over the world.
Four athletes from Québec were on the training team: Michel Beaulieu in bowling and Carl Fortin, in athletics, both from the South-West region; Mélanie Giroux, from Chaudière-Appalaches, in swimming; and Catherine Rochette, from the Québec City region, in rhythmic gymnastics. Their selection was based on their performance at the 2006 National Summer Games in Brandon.
Marc Gaulin, SOQ sports consultant, was on the mission staff and Alain Maillé, from the Lanaudière region, was named head coach of the swim team. Benoît Proulx and Louise Bertrand, from Québec City, were each selected as assistant coach in athletics and in swimming, respectively. Team Canada was made up of 83 athletes, 22 coaches and 12 mission staff members.
During this event, athletes of all skill levels competed in 20 sports. The Canadian athletes participated in competitions held in Special Olympics Canada’s 7 official summer sports, namely athletics, softball, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, bowling and soccer.
Results of the games
For additional information:
www.2007specialolympics.com
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