Special Olympics opens with a flourish in Dublin

Unveiling itself to an expectant public, the 2003 Special Olympics, the biggest sporting event in the world this year, opened with a flourish at a Croke Park brimming to capacity tonight.

Over 7,000 athletes from 160 countries were afforded a hearty Irish welcome by the 85,000 spectators in attendance at a ceremony beamed to 100 million people around the world and featuring a stellar cast never before witnessed on these shores.

In music, imagery and a few well-chosen words, the first Games to be held outside America was launched amid much pomp, pageantry and ceremony with dignitaries such as Nelson Mandella, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and the President, Mary McAleese, presiding over a spectacle worthy the occasion.

Welcoming the athletes, coaches and spectators to Ireland, Mrs McAleese looked forward to a "magical week none of us will ever forget."

"We wish you fun, laughter, happy memories and the gift of making friendships," she continued. "Between us all, may we fulfill our dreams of making these the very best Games ever."

For the athletes, who were joined on their opening parade by some 43 sports stars, VIPs and celebrities - ranging from Roy Keane to Johnny Knoxville, DJ Carey to Jon Bon Jovi - it was a night of pure joy and emotion never to be forgotten.

The organisers, Tyrone Productions, had promised a spectacle of "extraordinary special events" and for three-and-a-half hours they were as good as their word. Croke Park was awash with colour, a multitude of flags providing the backdrop on a warm summer's evening.

U2, Jon Bon Jovi, Samantha Mumba and The Corrs provided the soundtrack while Muhammad Ali and Frankie Frederiks were among the sporting legends to grace the Croke Park stage, at 250 feet wide the largest ever constructed in Ireland.

Film stars such as Colin Farrell and Arnold Swarzenegger added to the glamour and there was even space in the crowded schedule to squeeze in a (mercifully) brief performance of Riverdance.

Even the odd drop of rain - it is an Irish summer after all - failed to dampen the atmosphere and from the outset it was clear the night was going to prove a success.

The night proceedings kicked off with the introduction of the athletes, who have been enjoying the warmth and hospitality of communities across the country all week before beginning the competition proper tomorrow morning, into the magnificent Croke Park stadium.

The athletes required no prompting to slip into the party mood as they made their way around the track and then settled in to the 10,000 seats on the pitch, the best seats in the house, to enjoy the show.

They were treated to a show, whilst not without it's hitches, will take some topping. Following the Presidential address, The Corrs started the party in earnest and after performances from among others, Samantha Mumba, Riverdance and U2, speeches from the Taoiseach and Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, it befell Nelson Mandella to declare the Games open.

The 'flame of hope' ended it's long and winding 15,000km journey from Athens and the honour of igniting the Special Olympic cauldron was given to Irish athlete David McAuley.