A record number of amusement parks and attractions opened their gates to terminally ill children during 2001 under the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) World Passport for Kids programme.

Around 7,500 children visited more than 340 amusement facilities under the scheme, which is run in conjunction with the non-profit organisation, Give Kids The World (GKTW). GKTW provides free week-long holidays at Orlando resorts for children with life threatening illnesses and IAPPA's World Passport programme extends the holidays when the children return home.

Under the programme, IAAPA member facilities from more than 30 countries offer free admission to GKTW children and their families for a one year period. The programme hosted its highest ever number of families during 2001, 25 per cent more than in 2000.

The World Passport programme is a perfect way for us to provide the magical memories that guests experience at an amusement park to thousands of children who are really in need of something special, said Bret Lovejoy, president of IAAPA. Details: www.iaapa.org or www.gktw.org