The 11th Special Olympics World Summer Games 2003 was officially opened in
Irish capital city of Dublin on Saturday night, receiving huge hail from some
7,000 athletes, nearly 80,000 spectators, as well as veteran politicians
including Irish President Mary McAleese and South African ex-president Nelson
Mandela.
It is the first but not last Special Olympics for people with learning
difficulties being held outside the United States, which saw the event once in
four years since 1968. Japan will host the eighth Special Olympics Winter Games
in 2005 and China will host the next summer games in 2007.
"We are so proud to have you here. We are absolutely thrilled to be the first
country outside the United States to host this spectacular event," MaAleese told
the athletes in Dublin's Croke Part Stadium at the opening ceremony of this
year's biggest sporting occasion in the world.
The athletes, who are from 166 countries and regions including Afghanistan
and Iraq, will compete in nine days of events at 23 venues in Ireland and
Britain's Northern Ireland, making the gamesthe world's biggest sporting
occasion this year.
"You inspire us to know that all obstacles to human achievement and progress
are surmountable. Your achievement remind us of the potential to greatness that
resides in every one of us," said Mandella, describing the athletes are
"ambassadors of the greatestof humankind."
"May the world learn from your example," he said.
Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said: "Watching each of these athletes
compete may leave many of us feeling personally humbled by their courage, and of
course, their sheer enjoyment in using the skills which they have learned and
developed."
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali led out the more than 1,000-strong US team, and
former Irish soccer team captain Roy Keane led out China. Among those
entertaining the crowd were Irish pop bands U2 and the Corrs, along with singer
Ronan Keatin. American movie starArnold Schwarzenegger also delivered a short
address.
"Special Olympics has created a climate of understanding," a viewer said
while watching the colorful display of music and dance.
