Imperial Tours' corporate social action focuses on the welfare of children. Whosoever moulds his person, his life becomes true. Whosoever moulds his family, his life becomes complete. Whosover moulds his community, his life will grow. Whosoever moulds his country, his life will become rich. Whosoever moulds the world, his life will become broad. by Lao Zi, V. 54 Dao De Jing (i) Special Olympics George and Trish Smith, who had previously worked for Special Olympics in the U.S. for many years, were sent to Beijing in 2002 with a daunting challenge. They were asked to enroll over 700,000 children into the China program prior to the natural deadline set by the hosting of the Special Olympics Games in Shanghai in 2007. By the beginning of 2006, they have enrolled 550,000 athletes, and consequently China's is the fastest growing Special Olympics program in the world. Nancy Kim, a founder of Imperial Tours, suggested the idea of a fund-raising ball when she met George and Trish in 2002. She was appointed Chairperson, and the Beijing Ball has since become a regular event. In 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006, the Beijing Special Olympics Ball raised $20,000, $80,000, $100,000 and $130,000. Apart from Special Olympics, Imperial Tours also supports the affiliated Best Buddies program. "You have been such glorious assistance to our special friends even now still neglected." Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Founder of Special Olympics (ii) Under-privileged Children's Education Program Since 2003, Imperial Tours has funded the tuition and expenses of 8 under-privileged children in rural China. When some of our guests heard about this program, they also volunteered funds to support children from difficult circumstances. As a result of a change in policy in late 2005, when the Chinese government committed to fund universal primary education, Imperial Tours now funds only the expenses of the children in primary education, and provides all funds for those advancing from to higher levels of education. In summer 2006, Imperial Tours completed the first phase of a playground at a rural school. Together with the financial assistance of former guests and associates, Imperial Tours provided the playground featured in the photograph to the right. The second phase of the playground project involves painting the surface of the playground with patterns for games and providing equipment such as basketball hoops and benches.