California, USA — It was an event studded with appearances from famous actors, musicians, sport personalities and even the First Lady Michelle Obama.

But the real stars of the evening were the thousands of Special Olympic athletes from around the globe, who took the spotlight on the red carpet of Saturday’s opening ceremony of the 2015 World Summer Games here at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

At the venue, which holds a capacity of 91,000 for an NFL football game, over 62,000 people cheered as the 165 participating countries made their entry.

Special Olympics Jamaica got one of the louder ovations when their athletes and coaches entered the arena. A fairly small contingent from close Caribbean neighbours Cuba was also warmly welcomed by spectators.

Mexico, who have deep ethnic roots in Los Angeles, got an even more vociferous reception. The largest cheers, however, were expectedly saved for hosts United States, the last country to enter on the evening.

Earlier, the coliseum was brought to life with a video broadcast from United States President Barack Obama. The president, who along with the First Lady is co-chair for the Games, said the World Games represent “the biggest competition in the world for people with intellectual disabilities”.

In encouraging athletes and supporters of Special Olympics, Obama continued: “Where some see limitations you see opportunity.”

Other presentations were made by global messengers, who all stressed the LA Games slogan ‘Reach Up!’ Several dignitaries, including Special Olympics International chairman Timothy Shriver, also addressed the gathering.

During his short and passionate speech he urged the importance of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities and their right to be treated fairly. He urged athletes to “put aside fear” and to be brave in their endeavours. The message was in sync with the Special Olympics motto: ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt’.

Seconds later, a video of his late mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics, was played to the audience. The video delivered a similarly strident message calling for inclusion.

Also appearing were American late-night talk show host James ‘Jimmy’ Kimmel, renowned Hollywood movie actor Ed Harris and former boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya.

The US Anthem was sung by pop music star Nicole Scherzinger, stylishly dressed to match the glitzy occasion. Rising sensation Cassadee Pope gave a rousing rendition of her single I am invincible, while music legend Stevie Wonder wowed the audience in a brief appearance.

The First Lady followed with a compact speech, where she stressed love and unity as being at the core of the Games. Soon after, with both hands stretched above her head, she declared the opening of the Games.

Almost immediately, the symbolic torch entered the coliseum, accompanied by the harmonious voice of Avril Lavigne. And the LA 2015 World Games officially began.

A mix of explosions was heard and colourful lights adorned the evening sky as fireworks were set off. Spectators revelled in its splendour.