Special Olympics athlete Zaakir Rahmat from Rainbow Centre Margaret Drive School was part of the Singapore contingent that attended yesterday's opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Singapore National Games.

The ninth edition was officially launched by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Bishan Stadium, while para-swimmer Benson Tan lit the torch.

There will be about 650 athletes from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Brunei and the Philippines competing in football, bowling, table tennis, athletics, bocce, badminton and swimming.

The quadrennial competition ends tomorrow and is open to athletes above the age of eight with intellectual disabilities.

They will compete across various divisions according to their ability.

The public will be able to view all events for free at different venues across the island.