The 2015 World Weightlifting Championships are due to begin in Houston tomorrow following this evening's Opening Ceremony at the George R. Brown Convention Center ©IWF/Facebook

"Photo_Gallery"

The Texas Southern University marching band provided the backdrop for much of the Opening Ceremony ©IWF/Facebook

Young children paraded miniature flags of the 98 competing nations ©IWF/Facebook

Ms Texas United States Sarah Blanton gave her rendition of the patriotic song,

Houston Mayor Annise Parker wished the athletes luck via video message ©IWF/Facebook

International Weightlifting Federation President Tamás Aján (left) officially declared the 2015 World Championships open ©IWF/Facebook

Entertainment included a performance of Mystére by Cirque Du Soleil ©IWF/Facebook

Houston Rockets legend and basketball Hall of Famer, Dikembe Mutombo, rounded off proceedings by making an appearance ©IWF/Facebook

Ms Texas United States posed for photos with athletes after the Opening Ceremony ©IWF/Twitter

Fans gather round the towering figure of Mutombo after the Opening Ceremony ©Attila Adamfi/Twitter