This year is the 20th anniversary of Special Olympics Chinese Taipei and also the year of 2012 Special Olympics East Asia Regional Summer Sports Invitational. The “Walking Great Wall” Yao Ming came to Taiwan as the Special Olympic Global Ambassador to cheer the athletes who need to be accepted and encouraged. On Oct. 28th, the press conference is held in the Grand Hotel. Yao Ming wished all the intellectual disabilities could join the Special Olympic in order to find their self-confidence and courage through the sports. The Grand Hotel supported the sports for intellectual disabilities with practical action. For welcoming the “super star” Yao Ming, the Grand Hotel prepared the extra-long bed and the “Tupou Chair” especially prepared for His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV came in handy!
According to the housekeeping department’s information, the most disturbing thing for the former NBA player Yao Ming is the small bed and the limit of armrests on chairs. Therefore, the Grand Hotel especially prepared an extra-long bed. For the chair, the “Tupon Chair” particularly designed for His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV came in handy again! Either in the bedroom or in the restaurant, our colleagues thoughtfully prepare the “Tupon Chair”. The manager of Housekeeping Department Mr. Lin Yin-Zhong said that Yao Ming smiled happily when he saw this chair and was curious about the origin of the chair. Yao Ming was deeply touched by the hotel’s thoughtful service.
Although Yao Ming is a world-famous basketball player, he keeps low-key in acting. When he knew that he would stay in the Grand Hotel, he greatly appreciated the hotel’s support and sponsorship. He also wished the hotel provide usual service and not to bother other guests.
Although the public will not see because of the protection under the main coordinator of this event, Yao Ming friendly greeted the Special Olympic athletes at the press conference. When meeting the intellectual disabilities who need support more than others, Yao Ming is like a big kid, shaked hand with them, hug them, and sign for them. Yao Ming indeed filled his position capably as the “the Special Olympic Global Ambassador”.
Special Olympic Chinese Taipei is comprised with a group of volunteers coming from different specialties with love. Everyone devoted and contributed themselves unselfishly for the past 20 years to build a strong foundation. It is our honor to work with the volunteers to do something for the intellectual disabilities. We also wish there are more industries or organizations could help the intellectual disabilities group and their families, and also help them have a more comprehensive development in the welfare, education and sports for them.