
Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Fireworks explode over Fisht Olympic Stadium on Friday, March 7, at the end of the opening ceremony for the Winter Paralympic Games. The Paralympics are in Sochi, Russia, like the recently completed Winter Olympic Games.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Paralympic torch bearers wave to the crowd.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Sir Philip Craven, the president of the International Paralympic Committee, shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin, right.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Athletes from the United States enter the stadium.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Biathlete Mykhaylo Tkachenko carries the Ukrainian flag into the stadium.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Russian athletes, led by skier and flag bearer Valerii Redkozubov, enter the stadium.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Australia enters the stadium led by skier and flag bearer Cameron Rahles-Rahbula.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Skier Andrea Rothfuss carries the flag for Germany.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Skier Millie Knight leads Great Britain into the stadium.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Chinese skier Ye Tian holds his country's flag.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Canada's delegation enters the stadium.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
France enters the stadium led by skier and flag bearer Vincent Gauthier-Manuel.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
The Paralympic flag is raised during the ceremony.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Dancers perform during the ceremony.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
A model of a giant icebreaker enters the arena carrying opera singer Maria Guleghina.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Ballerinas perform during the ceremony.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
A musician performs using drink glasses.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Performers "fly" above the stadium.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Young dancers perform during the ceremony.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Artists perform in giant spheres.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Performers simulate the Russian flag moving in the wind.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Putin, right, and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach laugh during the ceremony.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Two spectators pose with Russian and Ukrainian flags during the ceremony.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony —
Fireworks explode over the stadium at the start of the event.