The 2014 Sochi Paralympics kicked off with a lavish opening ceremony at Fisht Stadium on Friday, titled 'Breaking the Ice'. It centered around the Paralympic ideal of breaking down barriers, and celebrated Russian history and culture with a
Russian President Vladimir Putin cheers on the athletes at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Paralympics at the Fisht Olympic stadium in Sochi, Russia, Friday, March 7.
Athletes and officials of China enter the arena during attend the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Paralympics.
Dancers perform a synchronized dance routine at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Paralympic Games.
Actors perform at the Fisht Olympic stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Paralympics in Sochi, Russia, Friday, March 7.
About 575 athletes from 45 countries are due to compete in the 10-day Paralympics. Five sports are on the program — alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, sledge hockey and wheelchair curling.
Athletes and officials of United States enter the arena at the Fisht Olympic stadium. The United States canceled its presidential delegation to the Paralympic Games, citing Russia’s intervention in Ukraine. 80 American athletes are scheduled to
Several countries have decided not to send political leaders or dignitaries to the ceremony in protest of Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Ukraine's decision to compete was welcomed by the International Paralympic Committee. "We want sport to prevail and a full complement of teams to compete in what we are confident will be a fantastic Paralympic Winter Games," IPC President Phillip
A lavish ceremony based on the mythical firebird of Russian folklore marked the start of the 11th Winter Paralympics, which features 547 athletes from 45 countries. It is the first time that the event has been held in Russia and comes less than two
Ukraine delivered a pointed message by sending out only a single flag-bearer to represent the 23-strong team in the athletes' parade, an apparent protest at the presence of Russian troops in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula.
Ukrainian staged a symbolic protest with a solitary Ukrainian athlete taking part in the opening ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin opened the Winter Paralympics in Sochi on Friday against the backdrop of his country's military action in