Guests play games with a Special Olympics' athlete, in Shanghai, Friday, October 5, 2007. [Photo: cnr.cn]

Special Olympics Chairman and CEO Timothy Shriver has announced the creation of the first Special Olympics Youngsters Club, China National Radio reports.

"We launched the club to provide mentally retarded youngsters with more chances to show their undiscovered talents and abilities, to promote Special Olympics and Unified Sports," Shriver said.

He made the announcement on Friday at the Global Youth Forum, held in the studio of Shanghai Media Group. The first group of club members comprise 58 young people, from 16 countries and regions, who attended the forum. Many described the discrimination and misery they encounter in life.

Also present was Hollywood actor and 'Miami Vice' star, Colin Farrell, the global image ambassador of Special Olympics, who brought a cake he baked.

The Global Youth Forum aims to break down barriers between mentally retarded youth and other young people and the public, and to advance the concept and spirit of the Special Olympics.