Thirty intellectually disabled teenagers and volunteers from 18 nations and regions shared their friendship, joy and ideas at a forum held on Friday to fight stereotypes and spread the message of the Special Olympics.

The 2007 Global Youth Summit, in conjunction with the ongoing Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, offered young people an opportunity to talk openly about their needs and expectations and seek ways to reverse stereotyped attitudes about those who are mentally disadvantaged .

The 30 pairs of students each had a Special Olympics athlete accompanied by a peer from a middle school or college. The event also brought together adult celebrities from China and abroad to lend their support.

At yesterday's summit, Piao Roubing, 17, an athlete from Northeast China, recalled her friendship with her partner, Zhao Xiaoyue, who now studies at a Shanghai university. After meeting at a community forum five years ago, the two have been in contact to share both their happiness and troubles.

"I was surprised when I received a short message from her one day to consult me about her pains in growing up," said the 19-year-old Zhao. "I feel I am very important to her and she encourages me to have the power and determination to change lives."

Compared with many others, people with intellectual disabilities are more sincere and pure, Zhao said. "She once misunderstood my friendly roughhousing with other girls and offered to help me, which made me very impressed."

Asked to describe her companion, Piao said the older girl was respectful, lovely and optimistic.

"She is a great sister," Piao said.

The summit yesterday included a moving moment when Piao, with her eyes covered, was asked to identify Zhao among a group of individuals -- including movie star Colin Farrell -- by only feeling their hands.

With little difficulty the girl recognized her friend's hand. "It's hard to describe very clearly, but the feeling (of her hand) is different."

Participants at the summit also took part in interactive games, noting that the Special Olympics provides young people the opportunity to make an immediate difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

"I find friendship with my partner in basketball," said Serbian athlete Darko Boskovic.

Global Youth Summits are held in conjunction with the Special Olympics World Games every two years. The inaugural Global Youth Summit was held in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, during the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

(China Daily October 6, 2007)