SHANGHAI, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- World famous kungfu star Jackie Chan expressed his appreciation to Special Olympics just hours before the opening ceremony in Shanghai, telling the press that the event may give hope to parents of intellectually disabled children.

"I went to many countries to promote Special Olympics, through which I know there are so many misfortunes," Jackie said. "Special Olympics may give them hope, transforming misfortunes into fortunes."

Jackie Chan said that he is honored to do such things." The so-called intellectually disabled are all the same as us, and in some areas, they could be even more talented. It is really interesting to communicate with them."

Jackie Chan has attended many promotion activities for the mentally challenged, from which he said he has learned a lot. "I was shocked by their performance. Their courage impressed me a lot."

As for the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai itself, Jackie Chan said. "it tells the world our efforts to express humanism."