USA take first gold of Games

The first medals of the Special Olympics World Games were awarded in athletics at the Morton Stadium, where Muhammad Ali and Seve Ballesteros were among the sports stars in attendance.

Cynthia Coffin of the United States claimed the first gold of the week, coming home first in Division 3 of the 10,000 metres.

In Division 1 of the same event there was a clean sweep of the medals by the Kenyans - Ogari Eliud Nyambati taking gold - while South Africans Johannes Nhlapo and Shelboy Pitsi were first in the Division 2 and 4 categories.

There was huge excitement among the large crowds in the stadium with the arrival of Muhammad Ali to the Santry venue. One of the stars of last night's showpiece, the three-time world champion has been mobbed by fans wherever he goes in Dublin and this afternoon was no different with fans and athletes all desperate for a glimpse of the boxing legend.

Golfing superstar Ballesteros also dropped by to pay a surprise visit to the Spanish delegation, chatting and joking with athletes and coaches before taking in some of the events.

Competition proper has started in five of the 21 sports while divisioning - where athletes are ranked according to ability and skill level - is taking place across the board.

As well as athletics, finals have also been taking place in the pool at the newly constructed 2,500 capacity National Aquatic Centre in Abbotstown. The 50m breaststroke and 100m backstroke medals were decided this afternoon while the final of the 1,500m freestyle is due to take place shortly at the world-class facility.

Pool matches have started in the 11-a-side football competition at the AUL grounds in Swords and in the Phoenix Park, the time trials are underway in the cycling.

Competition in the tennis is from seven o'clock at the David Lloyd Riverview Racquet Club.

Full results from all today's action will be available at ireland.com's dedicated site, Special Olympics 2003, from 9 p.m. this evening