'The best of humanity': Paralympic Games officially begin with vibrant Opening Ceremony

    By Ben Church, CNN

    Updated 1932 GMT (0332 HKT) August 24, 2021

    Performers hold letters spelling out "Thank you to all the Paralympians!" during the Paralympics' closing ceremony in Tokyo's National Stadium on Sunday, September 5.
    Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Paralympics
    Performers hold letters spelling out "Thank you to all the Paralympians!" during the Paralympics' closing ceremony in Tokyo's National Stadium on Sunday, September 5.
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    The Paralympic flame is extinguished during the closing ceremony.
    Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Paralympics
    The Paralympic flame is extinguished during the closing ceremony.
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    Flag bearers for the United States, Japan and France enter the stadium during the closing ceremony.
    Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Paralympics
    Flag bearers for the United States, Japan and France enter the stadium during the closing ceremony.
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    Fireworks light up the sky above the National Stadium during the closing ceremony.
    Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Paralympics
    Fireworks light up the sky above the National Stadium during the closing ceremony.
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    Dancers perform during the closing ceremony.
    Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Paralympics
    Dancers perform during the closing ceremony.
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    Artists perform during the closing ceremony.
    Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Paralympics
    Artists perform during the closing ceremony.
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    Athletes take photos as fireworks light up the sky above the National Stadium during the closing ceremony.
    Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Paralympics
    Athletes take photos as fireworks light up the sky above the National Stadium during the closing ceremony.
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    Participants' shadows are seen on the track during the closing ceremony.
    Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Paralympics
    Participants' shadows are seen on the track during the closing ceremony.
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    Germany's Johannes Floors celebrates after winning gold in a 400-meter race on Friday, September 3.
    Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Paralympics
    Germany's Johannes Floors celebrates after winning gold in a 400-meter race on Friday, September 3.
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    Great Britain's Lee Manning, right, passes the ball as he collides with teammate Gregg Warburton during a wheelchair basketball game against Japan on September 3.
    Photos: The best photos from the Tokyo Paralympics
    Great Britain's Lee Manning, right, passes the ball as he collides with teammate Gregg Warburton during a wheelchair basketball game against Japan on September 3.
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