Dancers of light wow spectators during Opening Ceremonies of Paralympic Winter Games

Sharing highlights of Korean light dancers, who performed on March 09 during Opening Ceremonies for the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang

Opening Ceremonies for 2018 Paralympic Winter Games

What a spectacle were the Opening Ceremonies for the 2018 Paralympic Games! Highlights included Korean soldiers performing incredible Tae-kwon-do, Bandabi the mascot riding a large skateboard, vigorous drummers, K-pop singers and energetic dancing, tenor and soprano vocalists, light shows, fireworks, playful children's dance troup, lighted wheelchair dancers, passing the torch to illuminate the Games, and many dignitaries -- all of this to salute the World's best para-athletes! 

The PyeongChang Games are the biggest Paralympic Winter Games on record with 567 athletes representing 48 countries, plus the Neutral Paralympic Athlete delegation.
Three countries celebrated first-time participation in Winter Paralympic Games, i.e., Georgia, Tajikistan and Democratic Republic of Korea. 

Moon Jae-In, President of The Republic of Korea, and Andrew Parsons, President of the IPC greet athletes and spectators

Traditional Korean dance originated as folk dances 

“Everything starts with a dream,” said IPC President Andrew Parsons. 

“The journey of an athlete starts with a dream: the dream of competing in sport; of representing your country; of winning a medal and writing your name in to history” (www.paralympic.org).

Lovely and graceful Ga-in Flower dancers

Past and present para-athletes from the Republic of Korea bring the Korean flag to center stage

Our roles as Ceremonies -- Team D were to gather hours before the event to remove remaining snow and ice, and clean athletes' seating, insuring no fall hazards. Our Team took pride in our work as we prepared Level 2 seating area for paralympians from 10 Nations.

We distributed to each seat commemorative pouches with blankets, beanies, cushions, a program and chemical hand warmers, insuring all would be comfortable despite 0 degrees Celsius temperature. 

During the Ceremony, we guided each team and athlete to the proper seat. We then responded to athletes' needs and insured that spectators and press did not enter a restricted area. This meant our position was center stage, ideal to watch the Ceremonies!

Parade of athletes proudly enter Pyeong Chang Olympic Stadium

Korean children's dancers enthusiastically welcome All!

The culmination of dreams brought to life for a young girl with visual impairment

Celebrating in moving sculpture the sports of the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games

Athletes proudly bring the International Paralympic flag to center stage to be raised with the anthem

The Paralympic torch arrives in the stadium escorted by para-athletes

From Paralympic.org, "The final torch relay symbolised the inclusive power of the Paralympics. South Korean biathlete Bogue Choi and North Korean cross-country skier Yu Chol Ma entered the stadium together as torch bearers.

The flame made it all the way to South Korean Para ice hockeyplayer Min Su Han, who, with his prosthetic, climbed a rope up to the Paralympic cauldron, and handed the torch off to compatriot and wheelchair curler Soonseok Seo. Along with able-bodied South Korean curler Eun-jung Kim, the two lit the cauldron." Athletes and spectators alike stood and applauded this incredible feat and the Opening of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games! 

Watch recording of full Opening Ceremony for 2018 Paralympic Winter Games

Snow Removal 101, a major focus in PyeongChang

In order to continue rehearsal before Opening Ceremonies for 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, it was necessary to resume snow removal operations. Heavy snow fell in PyeongChang last night. Stadium seats, stairwells and accessible ramps, landings, center stage, runway to the Olympic torch and media equipment were snow covered for a second day.

Volunteers joined paid staff to shovel, sweep and mop, while contractors operated heavy equipment to clear roadways. We were not daunted by the task. 

Young and old worked side by side knowing our labor will yield improved access for athletes, performers, technicians and spectators. Workers cleaned the path to light the torch as well as its base and dramatic sculpture outside the Olympic Stadium.

Tomorrow, we resume preparations, awaiting the opportunity to host athletes and their supporters from around the world. We anticipate cold and windy weather with snowfall ending by afternoon, just in time for the festivities!

More news, PyeongChang to Host Largest Winter Paralympics

Tomorrow's forecast for PyeongChang and Alpensia ski regions

Arriving in PyeongChang for 2018 Paralympic Games

We boarded buses for transport to PyeongChang, new accommodations and specific duty assignments. I will be working in the Olympic Stadium with athlete ceremonies. It's been snowing heavily, requiring help from Korean military and contractors to remove accumulation.

Many volunteers are assigned to athlete and spectator support in the Olympic Stadium and surrounds. We are assigned to Functional Areas with local managers, who give daily job duties.

We join for communal meals with hundreds of Korean soldiers, electrical contractors, representatives of broadcast media, performers, security guards, sponsors and others. I am impressed by the efficiency of chosen vendors!

Quick guide to 2018 Paralympic Winter Games

Only a short time before Opening Ceremonies on 9th. Paralympians, children from local schools, cheerleaders, traditional and K-Pop singers, medics and volunteers practice their roles for the Ceremonies. All feel the excitement of hosting visitors from across the Globe!

Be sure to dress warmly, layering garments with a waterproof outer shell.
PyeongChang coldest location on Earth