A party of 39 leaves the Isle of Man today, bound for the Special Olympics in China.
The opening ceremony is next Tuesday in Shanghai, where the Manx team will join over 7,000 athletes from 168 other countries.
The Island's team will compete in the aquatics, athletics, bocce, cycling, football, golf, gymnastics and equestrian events.
Chairman of the Special Olympics team, Moe Sherring, says it will be a once in a lifetime experience:
Netball: Manx Rams beaten in Singlife Nations Cup opener
Isle of Man lose 61-37 to Singapore
Pinnington rescues Ravens against Longridge Town
FC Isle of Man score late equaliser to maintain unbeaten run
FC Isle of Man keen to maintain unbeaten run on home return
Ravens hoping to move further clear of drop zone when they face Longridge Town
Jiu-jitsu: Double European gold for Hayley Curtis
Island fighter secures successes in Rome
Hockey: Southern derby among Mixed Premier League ties
Two points separate top three in Mixed Division One ahead of weekend