The Paralympic Games are held every four years, and people with disabilities from different countries take part in them. The Summer Games were held for the first time in 1960, and the Winter Games began in 1976. The opening of the XIV Summer Paralympics took place in London on August 30, 2012.
The opening ceremony of the Summer Paralympic Games was held under the name "Enlightenment". The host of the ceremony was Stephen Hawking, a renowned popularizer of science and theoretical physicist, who has been confined to a wheelchair since the age of 21. Despite a serious illness, he continues to lead an active lifestyle, and it was he who was entrusted to address the audience of many thousands with the first words.
The organizers of the opening ceremony chose Miranda, the heroine of William Shakespeare's The Tempest, as the central character and symbol of the ceremony. Together with the audience, she embarks on an exciting journey, inspired by the wonders of science and discovers a wonderful new world for herself. “Be inquisitive,” the presenter addresses her. "Look at the stars, not at your feet." Well-known major discoveries pass before the eyes of the audience - from the fall of an apple in Newton's garden to the creation of the Hadron Collider.
An unforgettable sight was the six Paralympians in golden wheelchairs flying over the arena. They were the famous judoka Ian Rose, the javelin thrower Tony Griffin, the athlete Robert Barrett, the swimmer Mark Woods, the tennis player Kay Forshaw.
Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain welcomed the athletes and announced the XIV Summer Paralympics open. She gave a speech, wished the participants good luck and admired their fortitude. The Mayor of London Boris Johnson also said his word, noting that the Games are being held in the city for the first time.
After the enchanting opening show and the completion of the Olympic torch relay, 1,300 athletes entered the stadium to take part in the Paralympics. In total, about 4200 athletes from 163 countries will take part in the Games, and 183 of them will fight for the honor of Russia. The opening ceremony ended with the performance of the anthem of the games - the song I Am What I Am ("I am who I am").
