Rio 2016 Paralympics opening ceremony - in pictures

Image 1 of 9

After a troubled build-up, the Rio 2016 Paralympics finally got underway last night with a dazzling opening ceremony that featured flying wheelchairs, dancing robots and samba drummers.

Despite reports of poor ticket sales in the lead-up to the event the Maracana stadium appeared to be full and the crowd was treated to a vibrant show.

There were moments of controversy, however, when the presidents of Brazil and the Rio 2016 organising committee were both booed. A member of the Belarussian contingent unfurled a Russian flag in support of the nation, which has been banned from participating in the games by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Sir Philip Craven, chairman of the IPC, told the crowd: "Through the performances of Paralympians, you will see the true meaning of sport and the true definition of ability. You will witness how Paralympic sport has the ability to inspire an individual, and the outstanding capacity to transform communities, countries and continents."