Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea -- The Special Olympics World Winter Games officially got underway yesterday after a lively and engaging three-hour Opening Ceremony here at the Yongpyong Dome in Pyeongchang.

Many-time Olympian Nigel Davis, who had the unique opportunity of bearing the Olympic Torch to mark the opening of the Games, confidently carried out his task and was the country's main star of the evening.

Sporting the national team's sweatsuit, the skater diligently cruised along the ice surface to deliver the torch to the next bearer under the watchful eyes of head of delegation Glendon West and the rest of the Jamaican contingent.

Outgoing Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-bak, as well as Special Olympics chairman and CEO Timothy Shriver, gave respective speeches endorsing the Games and supporting the move towards world harmony, co-existence and humanity.

The music, dancing, costumes and artistic arrangement of the facility was a big hit among viewers, but many appeared awestruck by the beautifully compelling rendition of the Korean anthem by disabled youngster Mo-se Park, as the national flag was raised.

During the earlier parading of the participating countries, the 24-member strong Jamaicans enjoyed warm cheers from the 4,500 viewers at the Dome.

Not surprisingly, the hosts Republic of Korea -- who came out last -- lapped up the biggest welcoming reception of the evening when their delegation of a whopping 247 entered the arena.

The teams of Canada, China, Germany and the United States, who all had approximately 100 athletes and officials, also received plenty of cheers from supporters.

Competitive action at the Pyeongchang 2013 Games is slated to start today and ends February 5.

The events set to be contested are alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, figure skating, speed skating and floor hockey.

Jamaica have entered floor hockey and figure skating.

The Special Olympics allow people with intellectual disabilities to display their talents and capabilities and is aimed at helping to break down barriers that exclude them from mainstream society.

The disabilities can either be genetic or acquired and can include cases of Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and autism.