Special Olympics World Summer Games 2007: Equestrian rider Vicki Keenan shows off some photos to one of her fellow-athletes.

Equestrian rider Vicki Keenan meets WWF star Victoria Wilson.

President and COO of the Coca Cola Company Muhtar Kent handed over a cheque for $1million to the Special Olympics.

Tim Shriver, the son of the Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver is the chairman of the movement.

Chinese film star Jackie Chan arrived in Shanghai ahead of the opening ceremony.

Security around the stadium was very restrictive as the dignitaries arrived.

Fans started arriving at Shanghai's Olympics Stadium anticipating the ceremony.

The stage in the 80,000-capacity stadium had a full symphony orchestra entertaining the crowd.

Ionutsa McLelland was orphaned in Romania and now represents Great Britain at the Special Olympics.

A contingent of models from the Miss China competition attended the opening ceremony.

One of the Miss China models displays the Shan Zi (fans) given out to the crowd.

Sarah Anderson from Carnoustie is participating in the bowling events at Shanghai.

The loudest cheers of the evening went up for the 2003 hosts, Ireland, the Iraqi team and, of course, the Chinese team.

The opening ceremony opened with a spectacular burst of colourful fireworks.

A massive golden dragon made its way through a sea of blue dancers in the centre of the stage.

President Hu Jingtao of China declared the Special Olympics World Summer Games open.

Tim Shriver appeared on the massive jumbo screens as he spoke to the athletes in the stadium.

The fans walked around the stadium as the Olympics procession commenced.

The Olympic Flame of Hope will burn throughout the entire games.