Avril Lavigne's first performance after recovering from Lyme disease

AVRIL Lavigne made her first stage performance last Saturday night since being diagnosed with Lyme disease last year.

The 30-year-old singer sang her new song "Fly" during the opening ceremony of US Special Olympics.

Since announcing her tick-borne illness last December, Lavigne had not held any performance or appearance.

"Honoured to have performed my song 'Fly' at the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics tonight," Lavigne shared on her Instagram following the performance.

"This was a very beautiful night for me. Congratulations to all the athletes. Thank you to everyone who supports the Avril Lavigne Foundation. It has been a difficult year fighting through Lyme Disease for me and I am so happy to have made it on stage tonight for the first performance in a year," she said.

The illness left the Canadian-born star bedridden for five months to fully recover from the infection.

According to Lavigne, she wrote the song as encouragement to people who are facing challenges, to encourage strength and to empower.

'Fly' was co-written with husband Chad Kroeger and David Hodges, to raise money for the Avril Lavigne Foundation. The charity was set up by the star to support young people with disabilities and life-threatening illnesses.

Lavigne is now in the process of recording her sixth studio album after two years with no new releases.