NAMPA - With the lighting of the cauldron, the 2009 Special Olympic World Winter Games are officially underway.

"This is your moment. You've worked for it. It's time to celebrate," said Special Olympics Chairman and CEO Timothy Shriver while speaking to the crowd of more than 2,000 athletes from nearly 100 countries.

The opening ceremonies brought out big names and included a performance by Kenny G.

Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi walked with the Japanese delegation before a speech by motivational speaker Tony Robbins.

Sarah Palin, who has a special needs child of her own, sent a video message as did California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Schwarzenegger had been expected to attend today's ceremonies but in the taped message he told the disappointed crowd that he was held up in tense budget meetings in his home state.

Schwarzenegger's wife, Maria Shriver, did attend. It was her mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver who founded the Special Olympics in 1968.

"Special Olympics continues to be the ultimate family affair for all of us in our family," said Shriver.

But despite the star power, today's focus was squarely on the athletes who entered the arena country by country.

The United States had the largest delegation, but even the smaller countries like Isle of Man had a presence. Applause were noticeably strong for Afghanistan, who until four years ago, didn't have a Special Olympics delegation.

"They are amazing people. You learn so much from them on a day to day basis. You just get so much from them," said teenager Alex Englehorn, who along with friend Cloey Hardy enthusiastically cheered on Monaco's delegation.

The two teens and their families hosted the delegation in their Boise homes for the past four days.

"You have a totally different respect for them now. I love them. I'm really sad to see them leave," said Englehorn.

But now these athletes are off to do what they came here to do.. compete.

Let the games begin.