Shaw, Gautier lead 135 Canadian athletes at 2023 Parapan Am Games opening ceremony

Led by Team Canada flag-bearers, Para tennis athlete Rob Shaw and Para cyclist Shelley Gautier, a brilliant barrage of red and white Canadian athletes entered historic Estadio Nacional in Santiago during the 2023 Parapan American Games opening ceremony on a brisk Friday evening in the Chilean capital.

Gautier flashed her signature smile throughout as she waved the Canadian flag triumphantly alongside Shaw.

"We're having a great time and we got our smiles going and that's going to have everybody feeling good," the 55-year-old cyclist said.

"Having everybody feel good for Canada."

WATCH | Shaw, Gautier lead Canada into 2023 Parapan Am Games:

Inside the stadium that sits in the shadows of the stunning Andes mountains, thousands of spectators applauded as the more than 2,000 athletes from 31 different countries were introduced during the parade of nations — a roar erupted throughout the stadium for the host athletes from Chile.

This is the first time an international multi-sport event has been hosted in the country.

I’ve had the great pleasure of being in a lot of stadiums around the world. <br><br>I’m not sure I’ve ever witnessed a more compelling backdrop. <br><br>Estadio Nacional. Andes Mountains. Remarkable. Almost showtime. <a href="https://t.co/4n2euSawXz">pic.twitter.com/4n2euSawXz</a>

Estadio Nacional was built more than 80 years ago and has played host to sporting events, concerts, religious events including a visit from John Paul II and was even a used as a detention and torture centre during the military dictatorship in Chile in 1973.

Now the grand, old structure can lay claim to having hosted the opening ceremony for the Parapan Am Games.

Before the event even started fans were on their feet for upwards of