2022 Winter Paralympics open with festive celebration in Beijing

Like the curling stone that finished off the countdown to the start of the opening ceremony, the period before the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games felt like an overbearing rocky slide down an icy path towards impending doom. However, like the stone that eventually found its way to the house, the Paralympic community overcame the social and political shadow that had been cast over the Games to initiate a festive start to the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics.

The ceremony began in earnest with a celebration of disability and technology. Adaptive athletes from the various sports on offer at the Winter Paralympics slid, skied, and sledged down a snow-white dry slope bringing the magic of winter sports to the National Stadium in Beijing.

It was then on to the parade of nations with a group of meandering Shuey Rhon Rhons setting the pace for the evening. The Ukrainian delegation was one of the first teams out, receiving a respectful round of applause from those gathered at the National Stadium. Other nations came and went, with many athletes bringing a celebratory joy that contributed to reviving the joyous spirit that normally surrounds the Paralympic Games.

However, it was the Chinese delegation that brought the house down to end the parade of nations. A ruckus cheer from those in attendance, and an acknowledgment from Chinese President Xi Jinping solidified a strong start to the Games for the Chinese team.

The pageantry then shifted to oratorical formalities. Cai Qi delivered opening remarks on behalf of the local organizers, welcoming those in attendance and noting Beijing’s moment in Paralympic history. It was the turn of International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons to take the spotlight.

Parsons delivered an impassioned argument for peace, stating, “tonight I want, I must, begin with a message of peace.” He stated that he was “horrified” by the current state of global affairs. He called for “dialogue not war,” and demanded that the Olympic Truce be “respected and observed, not violated.”

He then shifted to what the Paralympic movement could offer humanity at this moment in time, stating, “Paralympic athletes from 46 nations will compete with each other, not against each other.” He noted that “change starts with sport,” arguing that Paralympic athletes would “showcase the best of humanity.”

The Brazilian leader of adaptive sports then commented on the recognition of the disabled community worldwide before ending his speech with one last shout of “peace!” With the global audience still digesting Parson’s stirring speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping then declared the 2022 Winter Paralympics open.

What followed was a colorful and emotional display of artistry from the host nation. The cultural segments showcased individuals with disabilities, giving them recognition on the international stage.

At the conclusion of further formalities - oaths and Paralympic flag raising - the Paralympic torch made its way into the National Stadium. It was relayed around the stadium before being presented to the final torchbearer Li Duan, a four-time Paralympic champion in triple jump for those with visual impairments.

Li experienced some difficulty placing the torch into its final resting place within the snowflake cauldron that was in use once more for the Winter Paralympics. However, after some enthusiastic encouragement from the crowd, Li found the proper placement for the torch and initiated the final salvo of fireworks and pulsing projections.

With the joy, inspiration, and enthusiasm thoroughly rekindled for the Winter Paralympics, the curtains fell on a short, albeit festive, opening ceremony.

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