Fireworks illuminate the sky in celebration of the opening of the 2007 Special Olympic Games on October 2 in Shanghai, China's largest

Chinese President Hu Jintao declared the Games open at a spectacular opening ceremony featuring shows themed on the spirit of the Special Olympics-courage, sharing, skill and joy.

A record 7,291 athletes from 164 countries and regions took part in the 21-sport games on October 2-11, with the eldest aged 69 and the youngest 8. The sporting gala also saw the presence of 2,302 trainers, more than 20,000 family members, celebrities, VIPs and some 40,000 volunteers from all over the world.

China is the first Asian country to host the Special Olympic Games, whose athletes are at least eight years old, have an IQ lower than 70 and take part in sports for no less than eight weeks a year.