A powerful lineup of 18 social leaders, including Yao Ming, Pan Shiyi, Yang Lan and Liu Heung Shing swore a common oath to make China a more inclusive country for people with intellectual disabilities. They made the commitment when joining a senior advisory council established by the international organization of the Special Olympics in its East Asia section, in Beijing on Sunday.

The influential members in business, sports and culture seek to ratchet up the Special Olympics' performance in strategy development, funding solicitation and sports excellence from China to South Korea and Mongolia where the organization's six East Asia offices are distributed. Former Chinese foreign minister Li Zhaoxing acts as the council's honorary chairman.

The consultative body will raise public awareness to show that the Special Olympics is about more than sports. It also promotes social progress, says Mary Gu, Special Olympics East Asia's regional president.