On Sunday 29 April 2007 Special Olympics Ireland officially announced its team, TEAM Ireland, for the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in China at a gala event in the RDS in Dublin. 143 athletes and 55 coaches paraded with celebrities from the sports and entertainment fields in a celebration of achievement and hope as the team prepares and trains to represent Ireland in Shanghai in October. TEAM2007, the 200 volunteers travelling to China to volunteer and support TEAM Ireland, was also officially announced.

Ambassador applauds TEAM Ireland in RDS

At the invitation of Ms. Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland H.E. Mr. Zhang Xinsen joined the local people in the celebrities. He also gave a speech to applaud TEAM Ireland. He said, "By reviewing the video clips of 2003 Special Olympics Games, I would like to congratulate the Irish people once more for the unprecedented success they have brought the Games to. My special thanks also go to the people of Bray for their hospitalities and generosities to the Chinese team. What you have done will be remembered for ever by the Chinese people."

Ambassador told the audience that he is from Shanghai. He is so proud that his hometown is going to host the Special Olympics this year. The local people and government in Shanghai are doing their utmost to present a best ever event to the world.

"Long live the Saint Flame, long live the friendship between China and Ireland and long live the Spirit of Special Olympics!" At the end of his speech, Ambassador said, as the Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, he will keep his fingers crossed for TEAM Ireland and wish all the athletes good luck. (The end)