Shanghai: Mentally retarded children proved the big winner at the Third Shanghai Helin Lexus Owners tournament as the tournament raised much-needed funds for the students at the Shanghai Qixing Public School.

Playing under sunny skies on Silport’s East and Center courses, 46 of the luxury car owners competed vigorously and gave generously as the funds raised were donated to the only nine-year compulsory education program for mentally retarded children in the city’s Putou District.

Playing under the New Peoria scoring system, a Mr Matsushita and Xin Jingjiao, both identical 8.4 handicaps, each shot rounds of eight-over 80 to top the field. Under the rules, the older player, Matsushita, was declared the low gross champion.

TOther prizes saw Chen Zhaohui win the low nett as the 16.8 handicap shot an 86 for a nett 69.2. The long drive went to Chen Yi when he blasted a shot 280 yards on the East No. 9, while Bo Qi got the nearest the pin after he put his ball within two feet of the flag on the East No. 2.

Matsushita, Xin, Chen and Wang Xiaogang, the first runner-up in the low nett, now qualify for the 2008 Lexus China Classic.

At the party following the tournament, Qixing headmaster Ms Guo said she was overwhelmed by the love and support shown for her students who had participated in the Closing Ceremony of the 2007 Special Olympics.

“When I came to Silport I could feel the warmth of spring,” she told the audience. “Thank you for your help to my students. With your help, I believe Qixing can have a more bright future.”

Wang Yue, a student at the school, then sang three songs and gave a heart-warming speech that visibly moved the crowd.

“Although I am not the same as the other children in some ways, the love from my teachers and the whole society gives me a pair of wings. I dream a lot, and use these wings to try to fly up high,” she said.