It was an atmosphere to rival any previous sporting event at Ireland's Croke Park Stadium when a crowd of 80,000 welcomed 7,000 Special Olympians.
There were overwhelming cheers for athletes from countries whose Sars outbreaks had put their attendance at the Games in Dublin into question only a few weeks ago.
A standing ovation and roar from the crowd greeted the 22 Hong Kong athletes as the compere said: 'We are so glad you are here.'
Their welcome was rivalled only by that for Iraq as its team entered Ireland's foremost sporting venue.
The motto of the games is 'Share the Feeling', and a tide of emotion swelled as the crowd welcomed country after country. Athletes standing in the centre of stadium looked up in amazement as every spectator waved a flag, creating a blaze of colour in the stands.
'It was amazing, an incredible welcome for us,' said David Ip Siu-wo, chairman of the Special Olympics Committee.
