A spectacular show kicked off the XI Paralympic Winter Games at Fisht Stadium in Sochi as athletes from around the world set out to prove that it's possible to overcome obstacles, unite, and achieve the unbelievable.
The vibrant opening ceremony was called "Breaking the Ice" to honor the strength of the human spirit, and showed the importance of changing perceptions and promoting inclusiveness in society.
“Together you are the catalysts for change. United as one, you have the ability to change perceptions and alter attitudes like no other,” Sir Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), said during the opening ceremony.
The central theme of the Paralympic Winter Games is Togetherness, to demonstrate that together we can overcome any obstacles.
The ‘Peace’ icebreaker, which appeared on stage during the opening ceremony, played a key role in conveying the main message that the Games are trying to send: coming together and breaking down stereotypes and biases.
As the Games get underway in Sochi, 547 athletes from 45 countries will compete for 72 gold medals in five sports over 10 days.
That is the largest number of athletes to take part in the event since it was launched in 1976, breaking a new record.
Host country Russia has nearly 70 athletes competing, and they're a force to be reckoned with. The Russian team placed second in London and Vancouver, but hopes to earn the top spot this time around.
The Sochi Paralympic Games have the ingredients to provide a bit of everything: passion, pride, and a drop of politics, as Ukraine’s sole athlete performing in the opening ceremony received thunderous applause.
Paralympians came together during the opening ceremony, demonstrating the central themes of unity, equality, and inclusiveness.
"Over the coming days you will watch high performance sport showcasing feats of endurance that will surprise you, tremendous skills that will excite you and examples of human endeavor that will inspire you. The sport you witness here will change you - not just for now, but forever," IPC President Sir Philip Craven said.
“Thirty-four years ago when the old Soviet Union declined the opportunity to stage the 1980 Paralympic Games in Moscow, the prospect of Russia staging its first Paralympic Games was nothing but a dream," Craven added.
"Sport is a great way, great vehicle for someone to find their life again after maybe what could be termed a 'tragedy,'" he said.
Craven hopes the Games will help change people's attitudes towards disabled people.
"If you look at how the Paralympic movement has developed since the 1990s, this is a game changer and a changer for the lives of probably 10% of the Russian population," he said.
Dmitry Chernyshenko, president of the Sochi Organizing Committee, said that he hopes the Games will "inspire millions of people to reach new heights."
The Paralympic Games are a testament to the power of sport and the ability of ordinary people to rise above things which otherwise could conquer the human spirit.
One can learn from Paralympians that “even the biggest challenge can be seen not as an obstacle but an opportunity and that we choose every day the way we perceive our life," Sochi Paralympics Ambassador Natalia Vodianova said.
The potential for the enlightenment that the Games will bring is important for Russia, which does not have a good track record of accommodating its disabled population - although there are signs that this is beginning to change.
144 of the 1,000 performers that participated in the opening ceremony were people with various disabilities, including a choir of disabled children.
New ground will be broken in Russia and the athletes, just by competing, will have a dramatic influence on an international audience.
Together: we are united by the passion for sport. The #Sochi2014 Paralympics has begun. See you tmr at competitions! pic.twitter.com/qG3yec7kr2
— Sochi 2014 (@Sochi2014) March 7, 2014
One of the central images of the performance was the Firebird - a magical bird of fire symbolizing the spirit of Russia.
"The city of Sochi has built a barrier-free environment for athletes and officials to enjoy, I call upon all those who experience these Games to have barrier-free minds, too," Craven said at the opening ceremony.
The Paralympic Games show more than anything that sport can bring hope and make a real difference to people's lives.
"One thing about Paralympians is that they’re fighters; they’re fighters who fight very, very hard for what they believe in, for what their rights are, and for what their freedom should be," Craven told RT. To read the rest of RT's interview with the IPC president, click here.
The #OpeningCeremony is called "Breaking the Ice" and includes a Firebird - created by Oscar winner Alexander Petrov. pic.twitter.com/xiqVt9PGHK
— Sochi 2014 (@Sochi2014) March 7, 2014
Welcome athletes! 45 nations are competing in the #Paralympics- don’t forget to tweet your team good luck! #Sochi2014pic.twitter.com/mMHPWa7Ioq
— Sochi 2014 (@Sochi2014) March 7, 2014