It was one of those once in a lifetime experiences.  Having flown half-way around the world to be part of The Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai Mick Foley and Torrie Wilson helped kick off  the games in style today by participating in Opening Ceremonies worthy of a WWE extravaganza.  There were lights fireworks celebrities music a magical dragon the lighting of the Olympic Torch and a literal cast of thousands of Special Olympians who came from all over the world to participate in the biggest Special Olympics World Summer Games ever.

Colin Farrell Yao Ming Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Jackie Chan and Yo Yo Ma were among the celebrities who participated in the formal program.  Mick and Torrie were among those celebrities who escorted the Olympians into Shanghai Stadum during the March of Athletes. Torrie marched with the team from Hungary and Mick escorted the team from Saudi Arabia. 

Torrie found herself much more emotional about her participation than she anticipated.  “It was very emotional entering the stadium and seeing all of these nations with different cultures celebrating together ” she said. "It’s been fun interacting with the Special Olympians and volunteers and the people of Shanghai have been so gracious to us. It’s been a great experience so far."

Mick was equally impressed with the event and the warm reception Torrie and he have been receiving from Special Olympians from around the world.  “It never ceases to amaze me how many people from around the world love WWE and of course love Mick Foley ” he said."In particular it was great fun to interact with the Special Olympians from Great Britain at their reception the other day.They werevery knowledgable WWE fans.Andwhen Iwent to sit down after marching around the stadium with the Special Olympics team from Saudi Arabia I got this wildreaction from the Special Olympians from some of the Latin American countries."

Added Mick “I can’t believe how much time and effort the organizers and volunteers involved in the Opening Ceremonies put into creating a great show for our enjoyment. It was well worth the effort and a memorable experience."

The Special Olympics competitions kick off on Wednesday with more than 7 500 Special Olympics athletes and their families from 165 countries competing in 25 Olympic-type competitions and demonstration sports at more than 20 venues.  The event marks the first time the World Summer Games will be held in Asia and only the second time they will be held outside the United States.