Final Thoughts Shanghai 2007 Summer World Ganes 26 Grammy Award song writer Quincy Jones wrote a fitting theme song for the Opening And Closing Ceremonies of the 2007 World Summer Games--"I Know I Can." The world saw what can happen this week when people from 169 countires come together for a common cause and show off their abilities in 21 sporting events. "The Paris of The East" was proudly shining with smiles, a feeling of satisfaction and tears of joy that these Special World Games have come to a conclusion. Hundreds of thousands of people witnessed amazing athletes showing off their skills. In 2005 there was a goal to have China add 500,000 athletes to the already millions of Special Olympics athletes to it's roster. They exceeeded this goal with 650,000 and committed another million plus by for the Winter World Games in 2009 in Boise, Idaho and even more for the next Summer World Games to be held in Athens, Greece in 2011. The total expereince is very refreshing and wholesome in a world that sometimes seems so complex. The great city of Shanghai sparkled this week with many people leaving with an attitude of "I know I Can" and inspired to make the world a better place to live. Th first World Games in Asia was a smashing success and will surely lead to growth and many more lucky volunteers and athletes being part of the Summer Games in Athens in 2011. We were honored to be a small part of it. "Inspiring Greatness"--Team Mc Colgan-MJ, Linda And Mike.

"China World Games Golfer Scores Ace" Print this page China Golfer Shoots Hole in One 6 October 2007 Word of the ace spread like wildfire through the fairways at the Shanghai Tianma Country Golf Course at the 2007 World Summer Games. Special Olympics China athlete Haijuan Shao, 30, shot a hole-in-one, every golfer's dream, on the 3-par, 18th hole. Special Olympics athlete Haijuan Shao shoots hole in one at the World Summer Games in Shanghai ?I thought it was my lucky day,? said Haijuan Shao, who has been playing golf for just one year. ?I played as usual and didn't think about it. It came as a great surprise to me and the entire Chinese golf team!? The entire Special Olympics China team is wearing pink shirts because, in China, pink signifies good luck. Today, it was Haijuan Shao's skill that was on display with what may well be the best shot of the tournament, and certainly the rarest. But, don't expect them to give up their lucky pink shirts any time soon.

Stars Line Up For Summer World Games Closing Ceremony Shanghai--The effects of Typhoon Krosa that hit the southeastern part of China were felt today as rain curtailed outside events at the 2007 World Games. The games have been a huge success with over 7000 athletes from 167 countires, 40,000 volunteers and 2 to 3 million spectators enjoying the festivities. Meanwhile praise for the 3 hour Opening Ceremony continues to pour in from officials and media around the world. Ossie Kilkenny, an SOI board member compared it with the ceremony of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. He said, it demonstrated Chines culture with simplicity and dignity." The Closing Ceremony will be star studded also. It will be only 80 minutes long but will feature Spanish Tenor Jose Carreras of "Three Tenors" and a cast of Chinese and International performers. The line up includes Italian soprano Maria Lucia, Danish pop band Michael Learns to rock, American saxophone player Kenny G, and Shanghai baritone Liao Changyong. More than 4000 performers form all over China will also take part. The ceremony will take place at 70 year old Jiangwan Stadium and will be divided into 5 parts with the theme "Sunshine, Life." The volunteers and spectators have enjoyed a surreal experience at the first World Games held in Asia. One quoted Winston Churchill and said, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." Congratulations to all who made it a grand success! Kind Regards. "Inspiring Greatness"--Team Mc Colgan-MJ, Linda and Mike