All systems go for extra Special night in Croker

CROKE PARK will be the backdrop for a fantastic ceremony to mark the opening of this year’s largest sporting event in the world - the 2003 Special Olympic Games.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela has already accepted an invitation to attend the opening ceremony on Saturday, June 21.

Now 84, Mr Mandela will join President Mary McAleese after she welcomes the 7,000 athletes from 160 countries who will participate in the nine-day event.