The athletes are here, the stars have arrived: let the Games begin

FOUR years of careful planning, 7,000 athletes, 85,000 spectators, a worldwide audience of millions and one unforgettable spectacle.

The Special Olympics Flame of Hope will light up the Dublin skyline tonight, marking the official launch of the Games and the culmination of a spectacular evening of celebration that promises to live long in the memory.

The organising committee was last night putting the final touches to the star-studded show.

Among the guests of honour at tonight's opening ceremony at Croke Park will be President Mary McAleese, Special Olympics founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, former South African president Nelson Mandela and boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, who flew into Dublin yesterday.

Members of U2, The Corrs and Samantha Mumba, will lead an A-list of stars from the worlds of sport and showbiz.

President McAleese yesterday welcomed the Olympic flame to Dublin, paying tribute to the commitment, dedication and bravery of all those who will take part in the games.

"They represent their country at the highest level, and we know it took a lot of courage and determination to get here," Mrs McAleese said.

The President praised the remarkable effort of villages, towns and cities across Ireland who had hosted international delegations over the last week.

"Nothing like this has ever been undertaken in our country before and nothing like this could have been undertaken without the wholehearted support of the people of this island.

"The story of that support is an amazing one, and must surely be a source of great pride, a pride shared between North and South."

"The partnership and collaboration shown so far was already the stuff of legends," she said.

The Olympic torch was lit by the rays of the sun in a traditional ceremony in Athens, Greece on June 4.

Since its arrival in Northern Ireland on June 13, the Flame of Hope has been carried through 130 communities.

At the end of the emotional opening ceremony tonight, Derry athlete David McCauley will light a cauldron at Croke Park, officially opening the Games.

The Games' chief executive, Mary Davis, said the support and enthusiasm for the event has been overwhelming.

She said the competitors had trained for years and discovered they could push the boundaries of their disabilities.

"That is really what the Special Olympics is all about. All of the competitors are here, not just to win, but to celebrate their achievements," she said.