DUBLIN, 23 June 2003 — The 2003 Special Olympics kicked off in the Irish capital Dublin on Saturday with a big party and a parade of athletes from 160 countries who were to compete in nine days of events.
A crowd of over 85,000 watched the opening ceremony of the world’s biggest sporting occasion this year in the city’s Croke Park stadium.
South African former President Nelson Mandela and boxing legend Muhammad Ali were among VIPs launching the games.
Mandela called the athletes “ambassadors of the greatest of humankind”.
He added: “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. May the world learn from your example.”
It was the first time the Special Olympics for people with learning difficulties have been held outside the United States. It is separate from the Paralympics, which caters for athletes with physical handicap.
Founded 35 years ago by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, younger sister of the late US President John F. Kennedy, the Special Olympics motto is: “Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt.”
The ceremonies were broadcast live on television and radio and Ireland’s President Mary McAleese said each athlete was already a champion after working so hard to get to the games. “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,” she said.
Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said the organizers had achieved the “largest mass mobilization of voluntary effort ever witnessed in Ireland”.
“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,” he said. Teams from as far apart as Albania and Zimbabwe entered the stadium, accompanied by special guests.
Muhammad Ali led out the US team, and former Irish soccer team captain Roy Keane led out China. There were loud cheers when teams from SARS-affected countries entered the stadium. They had almost missed the games as a result of travel restrictions.
There was also loud applause for a small Iraqi team attending the games for the first time. The Olympic flame, lit in Athens earlier this month, was carried through Dublin to the stadium on Saturday after relays of runners had carried it across Europe.
An athlete from Derry in Northern Ireland, David McAuley, 16, was chosen to light the Olympic flame in Croke Park.
Among those entertaining the crowd were Irish pop bands U2 and the Corrs, along with solo artists Ronan Keating and Samantha Mumba, and the event featured the biggest ever performance of the international hit show “Riverdance”.
Muhammad Ali presided at a ceremony when the Olympic oath was read. Croke Park was familiar turf for him - in 1972 he beat Al “Blue” Lewis in a boxing bout here.
Genealogists have uncovered a link between the former heavyweight boxing champion and Shriver, who delivered a special address at the opening ceremony.
Both their great-grandfathers emigrated to the United States in the 1800s having lived within kilometers of each other in County Clare in the west of Ireland.
Extensive arrangements for hosting the games have involved over 30,000 volunteers. They are costing around 57 million euros to stage, including the donation of products and services.
