Special Olympics Flame of HopeTM travelled to Shanghai, China on Saturday, 10 January, as part of the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run® to celebrate the 2009 SO World Winter Games. The events began with an Opening Ceremony at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum in a cold but extremely sunny day, where the Flame of Hope was delivered on stage by two DHL couriers to Mr. Sean Wall, Deputy Managing Director of DHL-Sinotrans and then relayed by Shanghai officials, law enforcement officers, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers, as well as DHL country head and representative from SOI and SOEA.

 

Flame of Hope on stage at the Opening Ceremony

 

The Miner’s Lamp and Torch was delivered on stage to Mr. Sean Wall, Deputy Managing Director of DHL-Sinotrans, by two DHL couriers

 

The Torch was escorted by Shanghai Police officer Lu Xiaoliang and SO athlete Ye Shihua to run through Shanghai street

After the ceremony, the Flame of Hope run through the streets with a team of 100 runners of Shanghai local law enforcement officers, SO athletes and volunteers. Having transported by a DHL vehicle and escorted by police cars, the torch arrived at the Closing Ceremony at Binjiang Avenue, where it was welcomed by a team of over 250 runners who escort the Flame to the stage of ceremony.

Honored guests including Shanghai Vice Mayor Mr. Hu Yanzhao, Deputy Managing Director of DHL-Sinotrans Mr. Sean Wall and SOI board member and Director General of Sports Dept of Disabled Persons’ Federation & Executive Chairman of Special Olympics China Mr. Jia Yong spoke at the ceremony.

 

Shanghai Vice Mayor Hu Yanzhao delivered the speech

 

Shanghai Vice Mayor Mr. Hu Yanzhao and Mr. Jia Yong passed the torch

 

Mr. Sean Wall delivered the speech on behalf of DHL, official sponsor for GLETR

 

Special Olympics athlete leader Ms. Qiao Meili interviewed by media

 

DHL volunteers pictured with the Flame of Hope