From December 18th to 19th 2008, more than 50 athletes, coaches and referees from Beijing, Tianjin, Fujian Province, Liaoning Province and Shaanxi Province gathered in Beijing for the 2008 "Boeing Cup" National Special Olympics Bocce Competition. The competition was organized by Special Olympics China and title-sponsored by Boeing China. Special Olympics East Asia Managing Director Ms. Anna Chan, Special Olympics China Chairman Mr. Wang Zhijun, and Vice-Chairman Mr. Yang Jinkui presented at the Opening Ceremony.

The Boeing Company is one of long-term corporate sponsors for Special Olympics East Asia, funding SO Bocce training and competitions in China since 2006, which helped China to introduce and promote the Bocce sport across the nation. Local employees from Boeing have also actively participated into various SO unified activities as volunteers and partners.

 

Ms. Anna Chan delivering a speech at the opening ceremony

 

Athletes representative Zhao Peixin taking the oath

The 2008 National Bocce Competition includes preliminary rounds and final rounds for male and female. There is also a unified competition besides the official competitions. According to the rules of Special Olympics, besides the gold, silver and bronze medals, all other participants also get ribbons, so they may also enjoy the happiness and fun of sports. Therefore, the competition is also a platform of building friendship for all the athletes.

 

Trying to hit the White ball

 

Preparing to make a good shot

 

SOEA Sports Director Mr. Charlie Chang participating in the unified competition

 

The Award Ceremony

Before this National Bocce competition, SOEA and SOC had co-organized 4 local competitions in Xiamen, Fujian Province; Shenyang, Liaoning Province; Xi'an, Shaanxi Province and Tianjin in 2008.