SHANGHAI - The city will do its best to create a happy environment for athletes participating in the Special Olympics World Summer Games, a top city official told the heads of delegations from 164 nations and regions yesterday.

During the first head of delegation meeting held in the city yesterday, Mayor Han Zheng said: "As the host city, we will spare no effort to create the right conditions for the special athletes to display their courage and skills, and to enjoy their participation in the Games."

The Games comes ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, and has attracted more than 10,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world. The nation is seeking to enhance respect and care for the weakest members of its society.

Tang Xiaoquan, vice-president of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, said there are about 83 million people with various disabilities in China, including 9.84 million mentally disadvantaged individuals.

"People with intellectual disabilities are receiving more care, respect and assistance from the government and society," Tang said. "Their difficulties in daily life, rehabilitation, education and entertainment are being resolved."

The number of Chinese Special Olympics athletes has grown from 50,000 in 2000 to the current 620,000.

In Shanghai, 240 "Sunshine Homes" have been set up since 2005, providing a community rehabilitation center in every suburb.

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