Paris gets Paralympics under way with opening ceremony

The sun shone on the Champs-Élysées as athletes from across the world descended on a packed Place de la Concorde to launch Paris’ first Paralympic Games.

Medal hopefuls from 168 delegations paraded through the French capital in glorious weather conditions for an ambitious opening ceremony designed to put disability at the heart of society.

‘From Discord to Concord’ was the theme of the extravaganza, with artistic director Thomas Jolly aiming to expose the paradox of a world which claims to be inclusive but remains full of prejudice.

Wow.