Behind the scenes of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony

A photo collage gives impressions of life behind the scenes of televised Paralympic sport...
Our small group of volunteers has been in awe of the talented performers, production staff, planners, engineers, contractors, architects, landscapers, security detail, vendors, press corps, drivers, food service, hotel managers, housekeeping, maintenance and organizers of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.
There is much to do by thousands of hearts and hands before athletes and coaches arrive for competition, insuring successful Games. We appreciate the opportunity to be of service, promoting Peace through Sport!

Volunteers and athletes board buses for transport to and
from functional areas and arenas

Korean police mounted and marching perform vital security service

Snow removal is a continuous process, insuring access and safety for all

Planners chose designers and artists to make Stadium Park come alive!

And more snow removal in Olympic Stadium!

Bandabi, the Asiatic black bear and mascot of
the 2018 Paralympic Games

Sooharang, the protective white tiger and mascot for 2018 Olympic Games

Serving meals to thousands of volunteers, security detail, vendors and
paid staff is a huge undertaking!

Determining where paralympians will be seated in
Level 2, Section D - our volunteer team!

Giving others a taste of Korean culture in the Stadium Park

Carved trees honoring nature displaced to build the
Stadium and Park 

 

Team D hamming it up after Opening Ceremonies with uber talented children's dance troop

Korean soldiers with Team D

Volunteer Team D meets expert light dancers!

Team D thanks wheelchair dancers for a splendid performance

Team D and performers in cast waiting area beneath the Stadium

Selfie of North and South Korea together as one Team!

By Doug Criss, CNN

When you have a few moments to spare, there's no better time to do a group selfie.

Before they entered the Olympic stadium and marched under a unified flag at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, the athletes from North and South Korea took one for the ages.

The photo shows the two country's athletes sporting identical blue hats and white coats, emblazoned with a Korean unification badge, similar to the Korean unification flag they marched in under.

Source, CNN Sports

vox.com

Opening Ceremony of Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Athletes with physical disabilities celebrated the opening of 2016 Paralympics with inspiring performances, an extreme wheelchair speeding down a ramp to somersault in the air, while others joined a samba circle. Delegations entered the stadium carrying puzzle pieces. Together, 1,600 pieces assembled to represent a human heart in celebration of the theme. “The heart knows no limits. Everybody has a heart.”

[Source: theglobeandmail.com]

The president of the IOC, Philip Craven, who lost use of his legs due to a fall, likened the challenges overcome by paralympians to recent economic challenges facing Brazilians. Craven said, "In a country which has faced major challenges of late, Paralympians will switch your focus from perceived limitations — to a world full of possibility and endless opportunity." 

Brazilian Paralympic swimmer Clodoaldo Silva lit the Paralympic cauldron after overcoming many steps, which transformed into ramps. An enthusiastic crowd embraced the notion of life without limits. 

Visit USParalympics.org/Rio2016 for more information on Team USA at the Paralympic Games, including athlete bios, schedule and live streaming. Follow the U.S. Paralympic team on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

[Sources: USParalympics.org, AP Wire]