Bermuda’s athletes were among some 7,500 athletes from 190 countries as the Special Olympics World Games got under way in spectacular style with a glitzy opening ceremony at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, yesterday.

The island is represented by a 13-member team at the Games, with Bridget Marshall and Micah Lambert competing in tennis, while Kristopher Trott will compete in the 100 and 200 metres, as well as long jump and the 4x100 metres relay. Marshall is also competing in athletics while Danielle Gibbons will participate in the 100 and 200 metres.

Tiannie Lowe, J’Naysha Maloney and Solay Thomas are the other female members, with Lowe competing in bowling and the 25 and 50 metres and long jump. Maloney and Thomas are both doing walking events.

The Bermuda team will compete in athletics, tennis, bocce, bowling and equestrianism. Other male competitors include Del-Che Landy, Damon Emery and Kemari Dill, who will compete in athletics.

Carlton Thompson and Wayne Smith are both competing internationally for the first time, while Eden Woollery will participate in equestrian, as well as the 50 and 100 walk and 100.