Competition takes place at the University of Guelph all next week

Team Australia leads the parade of athletes into Alumni Stadium for the opening ceremonies for the World Dwarf Games Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Tony Saxon/GuelphToday

1 / 1 Team Australia leads the parade of athletes into Alumni Stadium for the opening ceremonies for the World Dwarf Games Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. Tony Saxon/GuelphToday

"That's all that really mattes, is to get out there and go," John Young told those gathered to compete in the 2017 World Dwarf Games Friday night at Alumni Stadium.

Young was the lone Canadian Athlete at the first World Dwarf Games in 1993 and offered words of wisdom to the 430 athletes from 22 different countries who marched into Alumni Stadium at Friday's opening ceremonies.

Each team's national anthem was played and the 1,000 people in the stands cheered loudly, whether it was for the larger teams from the United States and Canada, or the teams from places like Kazakhstan or Austria that had one athlete in attendance.

Competitions start Saturday and run all next week.The public is welcome to attend and it is free.

Arthur Dean, president of the International Dwarf Athletic Association, was one of several dignitaries speaking at the opening ceremonies.

"All you athletes, I'm so proud to see you all," Dean said. "Let's go win some medals, shall we?"

He praised the local organizers for "taking the baton" and putting on the event.

"During this wonderful week, you will all find new friends, experience sportsmanship and have fun. You will go home with memories that will last forever. Enjoy the moment and soak up the atmosphere," Dean said.

A full schedule of events can be found at worlddwarfgames2017.