No one told these folks it's not the Olympics

and I laugh out loud as I say that - with joy. What an impressive Opening Ceremony this has been so far.

The Chinese team just entered, a HUGE contingent that will challenge other countries for years to come in the Paralympics. They are hoping for a sweep, just as they said in the Olympics. At least we don't have age requirements to quibble about.

This is about sport. This is global.

A remarkable torch lighting by Hou Bin, a Chinese Paralympian in a manual chair who pulls his way to the top of the stadium to light the torch, is shown in a photo to the left, for my visually impaired readers.

Let the games begin.

To watch LIVE Opening Ceremonies now, click here. Absolutely stunning show.
[image description: The team from Malaysia enters the stadium, some in wheelchairs, others walking, waving flags. They are dressed in orange tops and black pants.]

Opening ceremony videos: the fireworks