The event in the Netherlands will be the fifth edition of the IPC Swimming World Championships, with the first event taking place in Valetta, Malta in 1994, and are the biggest event on the calendar for Paralympic swimmers ahead of London 2012.

Entertainers for the big event included singer Nici Apfel and piano player Sven Jansen, both of who were born blind, while The Red Lobster Divers, a foundation for divers with a disability, were showing off their skills in the water as part of the programme.

The senior synchronised duet of Elisabeth and Nicolien, who have been part of the National Duet of the Netherlands since last year, also performed in the pool where they were joined by junior pair Anouk and Margot.

IPC President Sir Philip Craven gave the official speech during the ceremony.

Henny Jacobse, President of the Organising Committee, also made a speech to the crowd while Uki, the mascot of the Championships, made a special appearance.

The event, which lasts until next Saturday (August 21), will feature more than 640 athletes from 53 different countries.

Among some of the stars in action for the British team will be multiple Paralympic gold medalists Ellie Simmonds, Dave Roberts, Sascha Kindred and Liz Johnson while South African star Natalie du Toit, the recipient of the prestigious 2010 Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award, will also be on show in Eindhoven.

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