October 2, 2007

11:49 p.m. in Shanghai (10:49 a.m. in Texas)

Greetings from Shanghai! 

Today was a very busy day for Special Olympics Texas athletes, families, friends and staff in Shanghai.  While athletes were settling into their sports-specific housing and enjoying their final day before competition begins, families and friends were busy checking out the town and spending time with their fellow Texans at the SOTX Family Reception.

SOTX hosted a reception at the Regal International East Asia Hotel, which 80 Texas family members and friends attended.  As it was the first opportunity for our group to gather, everyone enjoyed sharing their travel tips and stories while discussing the excitement ahead in the coming days of competition and events. 

During the reception, SOTX President and CEO, Margaret Larsen, unfurled the state flag sent by Governor Rick Perry in honor of the Texas athletes and their families and friends who made the trip to support them.

The reception wrapped up just in time for families to return to their hotels and board the buses to Opening Ceremonies, held at Shanghai Stadium.  It was an exciting evening!  The Ceremonies were hosted by Chinese singer and actress, Karen Mok, and movie star, Colin Farrell.  Special guests and performers throughout the evening included Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Tim Shriver, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, Quincy Jones, Yao Ming, Jackie Chan, Yo-Yo Ma and Zhang Ziyi, among many others.

While the performances throughout the night were amazing, one true highlight was the Parade of Athletes.  With more than 7,000 athletes from 165 countries in attendance, we had to wait until almost the end to greet Team USA - but it was such a sight!  The delegation stretched from one end of the stadium to another and kept on coming out of the tunnel entrance.  They even had to stop announcing teams until Team USA could clear the track to get to their seats!

A two-hour taped special on Opening Ceremonies will air on ABC Family Channel on October 4.  Please check your local TV listings for the correct airtime in your area.

Photos from both the Families Reception and Opening Ceremonies are now available on the Photos page.  There will be many more to come; please check back!

Now the Games have officially kicked off, with competition beginning in the morning.  We look forward to seeing the athletes at their venues, cheering them on, and taking photos for you to enjoy. 

We will continue to post daily news updates and photos - so don't forget to log on!  You can also visit www.specialolympicslive.org to view streaming video of the competition.

Until tomorrow, GO TEXAS!!!