THE entertainment industry has a responsibility to break down the barriers for minority people, Hollywood actor Colin Farrell said yesterday.

"It is important for them to be integrated into society," he said at the press conference for the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics.

As a Special Olympics global ambassador, Farrell participated in last night's rehearsal at Shanghai Stadium.

"It is my first visit to Shanghai Stadium, but not my first time in Shanghai," he said.

"I came to the city last October. Together with Karen Mo and Zhao Wei, I helped create the Special Olympics wall composed of almost 1,000 pieces of ceramics. It was a great time. I remember I made the image of the Huangpu River on the wall."

Farrell participated in the Special Olympics in his home town, Dublin, Ireland, in 2003, and was so impressed he became a global ambassador.

"I am honored to be part of it, no matter at home or in China," he said.

Farrell feels he can learn from the athletes in the way he learns from his good friends and family.

More than being a part of a city or country, everyone should view themselves as a part of the world, he said.

Farrell has had roles in films such as "Daredevil," and "Alexander" and the TV series "Miami Vice."