Break the Barriers to Host Delegation from China - Fresno-based non-profit returns from South Africa and welcomes dignitaries from 2007 tour in China

    /24-7PressRelease/ - FRESNO, CA, August 16, 2008 - Break the Barriers, Inc., the nation's premier sports-arts center uniting people of all abilities, and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Role Model for Inclusion, today announced that it will be hosting a delegation of dignitaries from China from Aug. 16 through Aug. 20, 2008. One country at a time, the Barrier Breakers, the international performing team of Break the Barriers, is motivating people around the world to work together celebrating all abilities.

On the heels of the Barrier Breakers' triumphant return from a 16-day stay in South Africa, the organization will be hosting a delegation of dignitaries from China. The visit stems from Break the Barriers' participation in China's first National Day for the Disabled on May 20, 2007 in Xiamen. The delegates will visit the public schools and universities, and other centers in Greater Fresno, where the inclusion of special populations is a way of life.

"We are so thrilled to host this delegation of leaders who are committed to celebrating all levels of ability in their country, said Deby Hergenrader, executive director, Break the Barriers. "We are really excited about having our guests meet with the teachers and professors of our community, so when they return to China to implement some of our practices, they will have people with whom they can remain connected to for advice and guidance and support."

The Central Valley has gone to great lengths to make their guests feel welcome. The congressmen, councilmen and the city government have made many of the activities for the delegation possible. In addition, Four Points by Sheraton Fresno is generously providing rooms and meals for the delegation for the duration of their stay, and sponsoring a reception buffet on the night of their arrival; and the Fresno County Board of Supervisors is providing gift baskets for each of the delegates' rooms.

The delegation will be touring Chinatown, the public schools, California State University Fresno, and many other centers that focus on special populations, including Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) and Fresno Area Down Syndrome Society. They will tour Children's Hospital of Central California and have lunch hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Michael. Dr. Allshouse is the director of pediatric surgery and trauma services of the hospital.

Most importantly, they will have the opportunity to experience Break the Barriers' facility, and enjoy a special performance from the Barrier Breakers "big team" of 43 performers.

The honored guests from China include:
* Zhuang Qunping, supervisor of training, Department of Xiamen Disability Bureau
* Li Weibao, adminastration officer, Xiamen Disability Bureau
* Lin Yiru, Finance Bureau administration officer
* Zhong Songde, chairman, Xiamen Handicap Association
* Chen Jun, vice principal, Xiamen Special Education School
* Chen Sha yin, principal, Xiamen Special Education School in Tong'an District

Break the Barriers has developed workshops led by renowned educators specializing in inclusion, and has fine-tuned its performing team, the Barrier Breakers, to travel the world to raise ability awareness and demonstrate the potential that is possible through understanding.

The Barrier Breakers just returned from many cities and townships throughout South Africa, having provided ability awareness and inclusion seminars, performances and education in the country's schools, churches, and disability centers. Upon their return, their African hosts visited Fresno, because after having seen the team perform, they realized the potential of their children and have invited the Barrier Breakers to return next May.

The organization began its international Ability Awareness Outreach program in 2005 by traveling to Romania, followed by a return visit in 2006. They conducted workshops and performed in Bucharest and many other towns in the region. In April 2007, two of the Romanian organizers came to Break the Barriers' headquarters in Fresno for additional training and certification in autistic programs for children. In 2007 they visited Xiamen, China, helping launch the country's first National Day for the Disabled. In 2008 they went to South Africa performing and raising awareness of the importance of accepting all people with various abilities.

You are invited to watch the Barrier Breakers' performance in China www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx_BYAGOecY on You Tube.

About Break the Barriers
Fresno-based Break the Barriers is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization established in 1985. Through sports, arts, aquatics, health and fitness programs for people of all abilities, Break the Barriers is recognized as a "National Role Model for Inclusion" by the U.S. Department of Special Education, acknowledged throughout California, the United States, and abroad for its equity advocacy. For more information, please visit www.breakthebarriers.org.

China Delegation Itinerary:
Aug. 16
Welcome reception hosted by Four Points by Sheraton Fresno

Aug. 17
Tour of Chinatown hosted by Chinatown Revitalization Inc. and lunch hosted by Paris Cafe
Dinner hosted by Dave and Shelley Johnson

Aug. 18
Tour of Children's Hospital of Central California
Lunch at hospital hosted by Denise and Dr. Michael Allshouse
Visit to ARC Fresno
MEDIA INVITED - Tour of Break the Barriers' HQ and performance by the Barrier Breakers
Dinner at "Famous Dave's BBQ" Hosted by McCormick Barstow LLP

Aug. 19
Visit to special education class at Hoover High School
Fresno State Enology Wine tour and lunch at Fresno State hosted by Ag One Foundation
Visit to Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU)
Visit to the Fresno Area Down Syndrome Society
Farewell reception hosted by Victoria Blackwell, Amy Glines and Linda Smittcamp

Break the Barriers International Outreach Program Timeline:
Jul. 2005
BTB Travels to Romania, delivering wheelchairs, performing in orphanages, schools, churches and government venues.

May 2006
Break the Barriers makes its second trip to Romania in partnership with Children to Love International, delivering 17 performances in 10 days.

Apr. 2007
Two organizers from Romania visit Break the Barriers Fresno headquarters for training and certification in programs for autistic children.

May 2007
BTB invited to Xiamen, China by Chinese Department of Disabled Services, The Department of Religion and The Department of Education to participate in the 1st National Day for the Disabled (May 20). Workshops and three performances each day throughout the Province.

Jan. 2008
Break the Barriers launches drive to raise $75,000 for travel expenses for the team's upcoming trip to South Africa.

May 2008
Barrier Breakers begins a 16-day trip to South Africa with stops in Johannesburg and Cape Town for Ability Awareness and Inclusion seminars, performances and education.

Jun. 2008
Organizers who hosted BTB in Africa visited Fresno facility

Aug. 2008
Seven dignitaries from China to visit Fresno and Break the Barriers headquarters.

May 2009
Barrier Breakers will return to South Africa, partnering with government agencies, churches, universities and schools to continue their ability awareness outreach and education

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