SHANGHAI, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- NBA center Yao Ming said the intellectual disabled are now more integrating into the society than three years ago.

Yao Ming said hours before the opening ceremony of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, "Compared with three years ago, when I first got into work related with the Special Olympics, I now feel that the intellectual disabled are more integrating into the society."

"I have witnessed their efforts. They have practiced a lot and now it's show time." Yao said. "I want to say 'Good luck' to all of them."

The Houston Rockets center had a basketball match with some of the Special Olympic players three months ago. "It impressed me a lot. I was shocked by their skills. Playing with them was enjoyable."

The Rockets has now begun training for the new season, with Yao Ming not supposed to be in Shanghai. "I was fined by the Rockets for leaving the team, but it's worth it. Nothing is more important than doing things for the Special Olympics."

"The past three years witnessed a rising status of the intellectual disabled. The government and the whole society have done a lot, creating chances for them to get into the society. I can see that they are much happier and more outgoing," Yao said.