The long-awaited Opening Ceremony of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games exploded with the heart-thumping rumble of hundreds of traditional Chinese drums, the blaze of fireworks and colorful, exquisite costumes resplendent of the country's ancient culture, emphasizing the first words of the evening, "Humanity's hearts beat as one."

Opening Ceremonies was a spectacular event, capturing the culture of China and the spirit of harmony around the world. More than 55,000 people and 7,300 athletes attended.

The 80,000-seat Shanghai Stadium was filled to capacity. Elated spectators added to the visual splendor, each with a twinkling hand-held light, which amplified the awe and radiance of the pageantry. And the arrival of China's President Hu Jintao elevated the prestige and majesty of the evening.

The Parade of Athletes, 7,300 strong, from 165 countries, was welcomed with tumultuous cheers and applause. Renowned Grammy and Oscar Award winner Tan Dun, best know as composer for the soundtracks of the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, composed and conducted the orchestra for the Parade. And Grammy Award winning Quincy Jones composed the Games theme song, "I Know I Can."

International film star Colin Farrell introduced the Opening Ceremony themes of courage, sharing, skill and joy, all echoed in the performances of the action-packed three-hour Ceremony. Performances by internationally renowned cellist, Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road ensemble, and Chinese pianist Lang Lang energized the crowd. Film star Jackie Chan brought his trademark flamboyance to Opening Ceremonies as well.

China's Yao Ming, who plays basketball for the Houston Rockets, and the U.S. Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, both wildly popular on the international scene, received a boisterous welcome as they walked with athletes during the Parade and spoke to athletes. Yao Ming missed the start of the basketball season to attend the Ceremony. "It's worth it. Nothing is more important than doing things for Special Olympics," he said. Schwarzenegger told athletes, "I used to play in movies as the action hero, but that was nothing compared with the real action taking place in this stadium."

China's President Hu Jintao set the tone for the World Games and its legacy when he spoke. "China hopes the Games will help the world better understand China and contribute to the development of Special Olympics around the world and in China." China has more than 9 million people with intellectual disabilities.

Spectators were dazzled by vivid colors and expert choreography at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2007 Special Olympics Summer World Games.

Special Olympics Chairman Timothy Shriver addressed the assembly, saying, "I thank you Shanghai on behalf of over 2 million athletes and over 200 million potential athletes still waiting for a chance," he said. "Athletes it is you who have given the world far more than the world has given back. You have shown how to fight for a chance, how to train against the odds, how to persevere in the face of indifference, how to do one's best without inhibition, how to win," declared Shriver. "So athletes: go for the gold. Show off your skill! Leave it all on the field of play. Go to your competition and teach your message of courage, of dignity; and most importantly, of boundless fun. You are the new celebrities of the 21st Century, and we are your fans. We pledge with you to create a legacy worthy of you. Tell everyone all over the world: "YES, YES, YES I CAN!"

A member of Special Olympics China's delegation lit the World Games cauldron, which capped a 22,000-mile, five-continent global Law Enforcement Torch Run, spreading the message of Special Olympics around the world and heralding the start of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games, the largest in the movement's history.

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