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Foley & Lardner LLP announced today that the firm has been retained by the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games Executive Committee (GEC) to serve as international legal counsel for the Games' Opening Ceremony. The GEC is an organization sponsored by the Chinese government that manages marketing and large events for the Games. 

The Games will be held in Shanghai, People's Republic of China on October 2-11. Because the Games are a major event for China and Shanghai, the GEC is planning a world-class Opening Ceremony on October 2 to be broadcast throughout China and made available worldwide.

“China is the first Asian country to host the Summer Games, and we are honored to be chosen to represent the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games Executive Committee for such an important event in China celebrating humanity, culture and human nature,” said Catherine Sun, chair of the firm's Asia Practice. “We are committed to assisting GEC with making the Games a great success.”

Sun, who recently joined Foley from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, will oversee the firm's relationship with the GEC. She will work with attorneys on the firm's Entertainment & Media Industry Team such as Ken Suddleson and James Nguyen, who will provide entertainment law, new media and intellectual property counseling, and transaction services.  

“We are happy to collaborate with Foley and appreciate Foley's commitment and support to the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games. The Games Opening Ceremony promises to be a grand gathering where people with intellectual disabilities from all over the world unite for friendship and a joyful stage where people of different ethnic groups and cultural backgrounds celebrate and communicate,” said Dr. Derong Shi, CEO of the GEC.

The Foley team will draft and help negotiate all agreements for international talent who will perform or appear at the Opening Ceremony, the creative and production team for the Opening Ceremony, and international vendors and suppliers. The Foley team also will advise on international broadcast and new media deals, and any additional legal issues the GEC may encounter related to the Opening Ceremony.

The engagement with the GEC follows Foley's announcement that it filed an application with the Ministry of Justice of the People's Republic of China requesting approval to open a representative office in Shanghai.

The 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games will mark the first time the World Summer Games will be held in Asia and only the second time they will be held outside the United States. In addition to 7,000 athletes, Special Olympics expects the 2007 World Summer Games to draw 40,000 volunteers, 3,500 event officials and thousands of families, volunteers, spectators and journalists from every continent. More information on the Games can be found by accessing the event's Web site at: http://www.2007specialolympics.com. Please click “English” on the top right hand corner for an English version.

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