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Paddy Quaid reporting from Special World Games in Shanghai>

Events : 21 competitive events and 4 demonstrations as well as various kinds of special non sports events. More than 10,000 athletes & coaches 20 ,000 families supported by statesmen, dignitaries, entertainers and celebrities, representing 160 countries and regions events.

To day Team Ireland was successful and acquired gold and bronze in bocce, silver in swimming which is brilliant start to the games.Thomas (Connolly) and myself visited athletics and bocce to-day to cheer on the Irish athletes. It was a wonderful spectacle to see all the athletes in their national colours and their supporters waving banners, buntings and flags encouraging them on to greater glory.

We met and spoke with many people from different countries including Colin Farrell, they have great memories of their time in Ireland in 2003 . These would have been part of the family host towns and stayed with families in different parts of Ireland. They loved our culture and spoke of how friendly and good natured the Irish people were.Colin showed his commitment to people with learning difficulties by visiting all of the different venues to meet and greet the Irish athletes and also the volunteers at their HQ. This was much appreciated by athletes and the volunteers. I would hope that in a period when he has been subject to some adverse publicity that the media would acknowledge his contribution to 2007 games.

Local climate :Temperatures vary between 26-39 degrees with clear skies. Humidity is the biggest problem and it is extremely important to drink plenty of water and take some salt to avoid dehydration<./p>

Transport :Different types of transport Local buses ,metro ,boat and local taxis. Taxis are the most popular type of transport in shanghai. They are an experience i will never forget ,switching and dodging lanes, if not sure ride both lanes, if not completely sure well do a uturn at green lights for pedestrians totally ignoring others road users -keep going never saw it if you are a pedestrian- a new experience of jay walking. If you were to drive like this at home you would have 12 penalty points after one day. Taxis are very cheap and cost 2/3 euros for 6km trip

This evening we went shopping. Two types of shops, Henry st/Grafton street or different types of markets shops with all different types of goods on offer. Good quality goods can be purchased very cheaply . A cashmere suit made to measure with 2 trousers costs 90 euros. air mac runners 15 euros 8 meg ipod costs 6 euros. We had some great fun bargaining for the best value. Had 18 inch American style pizza chinese tea and potato wedges at a cost of 9 euros.

I am scheduled to work for the remainder of the of my stay . With the games now in full swing we will focus our attention on preparation for the closing ceremony. We will visit the Shanghai stadium to rehearse in detail the closing ceremony .We will register and issue VIP passes for our guests and media . Total number of people invited will exceed 5,000

Mary Davis CEO Special Olympics has asked me to relay her gratitude and thanks to all of the staff of Eircom for all their hard work fund raising for 2007 world games campaign It is very much appreciated, you will know by now that the total figure exceeded 80,000 euro.

Regards
Paddy Quaid

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