The 2021 Paralympic Games kicked off in Tokyo Tuesday night, and while the stadium was mostly empty due to COVID safety regulations, the athletes and performers still brought high energy. The Afghanistan flag was brought into the stadium as a sign of “solidarity and peace,” a video from the WeThe15 campaign was broadcast to raise awareness about how society treats the disabled.
Take a look at these 18 photos from the Paralympic Games opening ceremony in Tokyo, and get excited to let the Games begin!
gettyimages.com / Carl Court
Getty / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU
Getty / Naomi Baker
Team USA enters the 2021 Paralympic opening ceremony during the Parade of Nations.
Getty / Tasos Katopodis
Team USA flag bearers Melissa Stockwell and Charles Aoki entering the 2021 Paralympics opening ceremony during the Parade of Nations.
Getty / / Carmen Mandato
Japanese musician Tomoyasu Hotei performs during the 2021 Paralympic Games opening ceremony.
Getty / Carmen Mandato
The Paralympic cauldron shown lit up during the 2021 Paralympic Games opening ceremony.
