SHANGHAI, May 17 -- ORGANIZERS of the Special Olympics Summer Games 2007 this morning announced the identity of the Games mascot – it's the popular Shanghai cartoon figure to be called "Sunny Sanmao," based on the famous comic character Sanmao

He will be wearing a yellow T-shirt with the emblem of Special Olympics 2007, red pants and blue sneakers.

Sanmao, which means "three locks of hair" was created by the well-know artist, Zhang Leping (1910-92).

The cartoon strips have also been translated into many foreign languages and has been entertaining youthful Chinese readers from the day he was "born" 71 years ago.

Sanmao's bitter-sweet life as an "orphan in the army" and "orphan on the streets" finally finds a new happy life and his story has moved thousands of readers around the world.

The mascot, a sunny and optimistic character, wants people to enjoy the Special Olympics to be held in Shanghai between October 2 and October 11 this year.

The committee also announced the three winning posters which all embody the Special Olympics spirit and concept of "skill, courage, sharing and joy," said Shanghai Vice Mayor Zhou Taitong, who is also deputy director general of the event's organizing committee.

The organizers received 525 mascot suggestions and 958 posters from the public over a five-month period.

The mascot and posters will be officially unveiled on May 20 in an event dedicated to disabled people.

It is for the first time that the World Special Olympics Summer Games will be held in Asia and in a developing country.

The Special Olympics offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competitions in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports.