The Special Olympics organisers today confirmed that boxing legend Muhammad Ali will attend the opening ceremony at Dublin's Croke Park stadium.
Ali will join former South African president Nelson Mandela and film star Arnold Schwarzenegger on June 21st at the ceremony.
Special Olympics president Mr Timothy Shrier said: "Muhammad Ali is a figure of great sport who throughout his career battled against the odds and still does so today.
"His support at these games is a testament to the abilities of the Special Olympics Athletes but also a recognition of the battles they fight each day to find their rightly deserved place in society."
More than 75,000 people will be entertained by stars including Bono, U2, The Corrs, Samantha Mumba and Riverdance.
PA