Nelson Mandela joined U2 on stage at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics in Dublin.

The band received a rapturous reception when they arrived on stage to play 'One' and 'Pride (In the Name of Love)', after an evening of entertainment to mark the opening of the 11th Special Olympics World Summer Games.

One received a full orchestral backing while Bono updated the lyrics to Pride to reflect the significance of the day and the presence of Nelson Mandela.

Toward the close of the song, Bono slipped off stage, returning a few moments later with the former South African President whom he described as 'the president of everywhere and everyone who loves and fights for freedom.'

Catch streaming Real Video of the lengthy opening ceremony on RTE's website. Zoom forward to the the 3-hour, 38-minute mark for U2's performance.
Click here www.rte.ie

Apart from Nelson Mandela, Guests of Honour on the night also included Irish President Mary McAleese and Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The climax of the Ceremony was the arrival of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope after a 17-day journey through 15 European countries and every corner of the island of Ireland by Law Enforcement Officers from 20 countries. In an emotional end to the evening the Torch was handed to young Team Ireland athlete David McCaulay from Derry, who lit the World Games Flame to officially herald the start of 2003 World Games.

More here www.2003specialolympics.com