Wishes From Around the World Come True at Beijing Olympics  
Phoenix, AZ, USA (August 4, 2008) — Courage, hope and joy. These powerful emotions will be on center stage at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games. But they will also be shining in the sidelines. 11 wish children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the world’s largest wish-granting organization for children with life-threatening illnesses, will receive their most cherished wish of attending the games.

12-year-old wish child Nikki of the USA was an accomplished gymnast on track for a college scholarship, until last summer when she broke both of her feet. After her feet failed to heal, she was diagnosed with a chronic pain syndrome called RSD. Several months later, she was also diagnosed with a cardiac condition called Dysautonomia, a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system resulting in severe dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms which challenge the daily life of an active child.

Nikki is now being home-tutored and can no longer do what she loved the most, gymnastics. It was only fitting that when asked what her most cherished wish was, it was to see the USA Gymnastics Team perform in Beijing.

Like Nikki, Korean wish child Soo Yong was an avid athlete before he became ill. He is going to the Olympics to cheer on his favorite Korean handball and judo athletes, and is the first wish child from Make-A-Wish Korea to travel abroad for a wish.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is dedicated to providing wish experiences which can have a transformational impact on children like Nikki and Soo Yong, giving them hope to believe everything is possible, even overcoming their illness.

These extraordinary wishes will come true thanks to many generous corporate sponsors including InterContinental Hotels Group, Continental Airlines, NBC, Kingston Technology and other generous supporters.