Traditional Chinese dance, Brazilian Samba, African drums...a string of themed performances and aureate fireworks marked the opening of the 1st Lusofonia Games on Saturday evening in Macao Stadium.

Some 700 athletes from 11 countries and regions across four continents-Asia, Africa, South America and Europe-are taking part in the nine-day events.

Speaking at the ceremony, the chairman of the 1st Lusofonia Games Organizing Commitee Manuel Silverio said that the Games brought together high level athletes and world championship medallists and provided them with a rare and precious opportunity to compete with each other and further enhance their skills.

Four continents, one language, the Games confirmed Macao's role as the platform for the manifold cooperation among China and Portuguese speaking countries and regions and demonstrated the successful implementation of "one country, two systems" in the city, he said.

Organized by the 1st Lusofonia Games Organizing Commitee, the Games aims to encourage sports development and to promote the diverse cultures that belong to the circle of Lusofonians.

Participating countries and regions include Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Macao of China, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, East Timor as well as India and Sri Lanka, associate members of the Association of the Portuguese Speaking Olympic Committees.

Athletes will compete in eight competition sports including athletics, basketball, football, futsal, taekwondo, table tennis, volleyball and beach volleyball in the sports carnival for a total of 169 medals.

(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2006)