Arnie supports Special Olympics

Arnold Schwarzenegger hands over the Special Olympic torch in Beijing. Guang Niu / Getty Images

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was at a ceremony in Beijing to celebrate the growth of Special Olympics for disabled.

The former film star is on a six-day visit to China aimed at boosting trade and investment, and at battling movie piracy.

He handed the Special Olympic torch to Deng Pufang, chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation and son of former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

The ceremony was held at the Millennium Monument.

Schwarzenegger said: "When I visited in 2000 for the Special Olympics China Millennium March, I knew that China would embrace the Special Olympics movement and its athletes.

"But this country has exceeded my expectations. China is truly demonstrating its leadership on the world stage through its commitment to the over 170 million people around the world with intellectual disabilities."

- GETTY IMAGES, HERALD ONLINE STAFF