Volunteering for the Special Olympics World Games

为特殊奥林匹克世界运动会当志愿者

Liu Ming did not know what to expect when he volunteered for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, back in October 2007.

当刘明准备为2007年10月在上海举行的夏季特奥会做志愿者时，他不知道能期待什么。

Now he thinks it was the most amazing experience of his life. "It's fantastic to work as a volunteer? he says.

现在他认为这是他一生中最令人惊奇的经历。“作为一名志愿者太奇妙了！”他说。

The Special Olympics World Games give children and adults with intellectual disabilities a chance to show their skill s to the world.

特奥会给有智力缺陷的儿童和成人一个向全世界展示能力的机会。

They include many events similar to those in the Olympics, such as basketball, football and swimming.

他们包括许多与奥运会类似的项目，如篮球、足球和游泳。

Over 40,000 people gave up their spare time for the 2007 Special Olympics World Games.

有超过4万人为2007年特奥会放弃了他们的闲暇时间。

It was necessary for these volunteers to receive training before doing the tasks.

对这些志愿者来说，执行任务前接受培训是很有必要的。

Then they provided support for the athletes and helped make the event a great success.

然后他们为运动员提供支持，使本届特奥会取得很大的成功。

"I was the swimming coach for a young boy from North China called Li Hai,' says Liu Ming."

“我给一位来自华北的名叫李海的小男孩当游泳教练，”刘明说。

He was born with intellectual disabilities. It was very brave of him to join the competition.

“他生下来就有智力缺陷。他来参加比赛非常勇敢。

To Li Hai, the most important thing is not to win a gold or a silver, but to take part.

对李海来说，最重要的事不是赢得金牌或银牌，而是参与。

Li Hai tried his best and finished furth.

李海尽了最大努力并取得第四名。

He feels more confident now because of the Special Olympics World Games."

因为特奥会，他现在更加自信了。”

The Special Olympics World Games also bring people together.

特奥会也将人们紧密联系起来。

Athletes and volunteers from different backgrounds feel like part of one big family."

来自不同背景的运动员们和志愿者们就像一个大家庭的一部分。

It's great for us to work closely with these special athletes.

“能和这些特殊运动员们密切合作真的很棒。

You get to help them achieve their dreams,' says Liu Ming.

你有机会帮助他们实现梦想。”刘明说。