A party of 39 will leave the Isle of Man later today bound for the Special Olympics in China.
The opening ceremony takes place next Tuesday in Shanghai where the Manx team will join 168 other countries - in total over 7,000 athletes will be competing.
The Island team will have representatives in Aquatics, Athletics, Bocce, Cycling, Equestrianism, Football, Golf and Gymnastics.
Chairman of the Special Olympics team, Mo Sherring, says it will be a once in a lifetime experience:
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