The organisers of the Special Olympics have confirmed that former South African president, Nelson Mandela, and the former US boxer, Muhammad Ali, will take part in the event's opening ceremony at Croke Park next Saturday.
Meanwhile, the first foreign team of athletes has arrived in Ireland.
The 28-member delegation from El Salvador is travelling on to its host town, Tralee, after arriving at Dublin Airport early this morning.
Thousands of other participants in the games are expected over the next three days.
