Winter Paralympics 2022 LIVE: Opening ceremony takes place without Russian athletes
Paralympics are officially opened at the Bird’s Nest in Beijing - follow all the latest updates
Latest updates from the Winter Paralympics opening ceremony as the Games begin against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
After initially ruling that Russian and Belarusian athletes would be able to compete under a neutral flag on Wednesday, the International Paralympic Committee made a dramatic U-turn on that decision yesterday. The IPC’s president, Andrew Parsons, admitted the situation in the athletes’ village had “become untenable” as several countries threatened to boycott the Games in protest. “What is clear is that the rapidly escalating situation has now put us in a unique and impossible position so close to the start of the Games,” he said. “Yesterday we said we would continue to listen, and that is what we are doing.”
Russia reacted to the announcement by claiming they would launch an emergency lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, however, on Friday a statement confirmed that their athletes are now “planning to leave the capital of the Winter Games”. Ukraine’s delegation of athletes has arrived safely in Beijing, with committee president Valeriy Sushkevych hailing their participation as “a miracle”.
There will be 24 British athletes competing at the Games, as ParalympicsGB bid to emulate the record seven-medal haul scooped in South Korea four years ago.
Follow the opening ceremony live below:
Winter Paralympics opening ceremony
The last of the eight torchbearers carries the Olympic flame to the cauldron, cueing another huge fireworks display. That draws an end to the Winter Paralympics opening ceremony. The Games are officially underway!
Winter Paralympics opening ceremony
Paralympics chief condemns ‘war and hate’ at Winter Games opening ceremony
Russian and Belarusian athletes were set to compete under a neutral flag in Beijing, before the IPC made a dramatic U-turn and banned participants from those nations
Winter Paralympics opening ceremony
There’s a dance performance before the Paralympic flag is raised and the Paralympic Oath is read aloud.
In the name of all the competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Paralympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams.
Winter Paralympics opening ceremony
Following that rousing speech, Xi Jinping declares the Games officially open and fireworks go off around the stadium.
Winter Paralympics opening ceremony
Parsons continues: “The Olympic Truce was adopted at the UN General Assembly, it must be observed not broken. Athletes from 46 nations will compete with each other, not against each other. They will showcase the best of humanity.
“An opponent does not have to be an enemy. The Paralympic Movement calls on world authorities to promote peace, understanding and inclusion.”
Winter Paralympics opening ceremony
IPC president Andrew Parsons makes a powerful statement at the beginning of his speech.
“I am horrified by what is taking place in the world right now. The 21st century is a time for dialogue and diplomacy, not war and hate.”
Winter Paralympics opening ceremony
Xi Jinping stands and applauds as the huge delegation of 96 Chinese Paralympians and guides make their way into the Bird’s Nest.
It’s now time for the speeches.
Winter Paralympics opening ceremony
The United States are making their entrance now. The 2018 US team led the medal table four years ago, with 13 golds and 36 medals overall.
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