The 11th Special Olympic World Summer Games 2003 kicked off in the Irish capital Dublin on Saturday, with nearly 80,000 spectators, including Irish President Mary McAleese and South African leader Nelson Man-dela, present at a ceremony to welcome 7,000 athletes.

　　It is the first Special Olympics for people with learning difficulties to be held outside the United States. The event, held every four years like the normal Olympics, was first organized in 1968. Japan will host the eighth Special Olympic 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 US to host this spectacular event," McAleese told the athletes in Dublin's Croke Part Stadium at the opening ceremony.

　　The athletes, who are from 166 countries and regions, including Afghanistan and Iraq, will compete for nine days at 23 venues in Ireland and Northern Ireland, making the games the world's biggest sporting event of the year.

　　"You inspire us to know that all obstacles to human achievement and progress are surmountable. Your achievements remind us of the potential to greatness that resides in every one of us," said Mandela.

　　Boxing legend Muha-mmad Ali led out the more than 1,000-strong US team, and former Irish soccer captain Roy Keane led out China's contingent. Among those entertaining the crowd were Irish pop bands, U2 and the Corrs, along with singer Ronan Keating. Film actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was also present.