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Olympians on tour in China at a school for children with intellectual disabilities, included Katie Hoff (left), Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps (back row) and Megan Jendrick (right). |
In their continual effort to grow the sport of swimming internationally, eight-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps and Katie Hoff, the world record holder in the 400-meter individual medley, are leading the “Visa Friendship Lanes Tour” of goodwill, friendship and cultural experience through a series of events that will celebrate the dreams of people of all abilities and cultures. The athletes visit to China, also supported by Speedo and St. Regis Hotels, represents their support of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
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During the school visit, Michael Phelps participated in a tennis match with students. Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, 21, is the most decorated swimmer in World Championships history. |
The “Visa Friendship Lanes Tour,” takes place 9-13 April with events scheduled in both Beijing and Shanghai, including a swimming clinic with Special Olympics athletes. “The 'Visa Friendship Lanes Tour' provides these athletes with the ability to connect with another culture while at the same time promote their sport in a way that has never been done before,” said Peter Carlisle, Octagon Managing Director of Olympics & Action Sports. “Between the Special Olympics World Games and the Beijing Olympics, it's an exciting time for China and our athletes want to be a true part of the entire cultural experience.”
In an effort to further provide people of all abilities the opportunity to chase their dreams, Phelps and Hoff, joined by fellow Olympians Ryan Lochte and Megan Jendrick (formerly Quann), will donate US$8,808 to Special Olympics China and the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games. The athletes' contribution reflects the symbolic date to the Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games.
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Katie Hoff and her teammates take part in school activities during their visit. Katie Hoff won three gold medals and broke her first-career individual World Record in the 400m Individual Medley during the recent FINA World championships in Melbourne, Australia. |
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Megan Jendrick, an Olympic gold medalist from the 2000 Sydney Games, is surrounded by enthusiastic fans. |
“There are no spectators at Special Olympics—we are all transformed by the courage, determination and perseverance demonstrated by our athletes in competition and in their daily lives,” said Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver. “Through sports, the Special Olympics movement not only gives new hope to athletes and their families, but breaks down barriers and acts as a catalyst for social change around the world. Having the support of world champions like Michael, Katie, Ryan and Megan for our World Games highlights the courage and dedication of the Special Olympics athletes who have worked so hard to become champions in their own right.”
"We are grateful to the U.S. Olympic swimmers for their generous support of Special Olympics China and the global movement-especially with the 2007 World Summer Games only six months away," said Mr. Zhang Tan Lun, Vice National Chairman, Special Olympics China. "We thank these Champions for not only making a donation to our program but also for sharing their talents with Special Olympics China athletes in and out of the pool."
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During their trip to China, Katie Hoff and Michael Phelps are excited to take part in the whole cultural experience leading up to the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games and the 2008 Olympic Games. |
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