Pyeongchang Paralympic Winter Games kicks off

A performer with a prosthetic arm and legs kicked off the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Paralympic Winter Games by beating on the giant drum at the Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium prior to South Korean President Moon Jae-in declaring the Games open on March 9.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea, South Korea's neighbor, marched made its debut in the Paralympic Winter Games.

President of the International Paralympic Committee Andrew Parsons said with DPRK competing in its first Winter Paralympics, "these Games highlight how sport can build bridges, bringing with it unity, respect and peace."

Flag bearer of the Chinese delegation, Peng Yuanyuan, led the team into the stadium. Peng finished fifth in women's cross-country skiing 5km classic style standing at Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in 2010, the best result of China in individual event.

She is also running for the winter sport representative post on the IPC Athletes’ Council which will be decided during the games.

China, which made its debut at the Salt Lake City Paralympic Winter Games in 2002, has sent a delegation of 26 athletes, the biggest group ever, to compete in 30 medal events in 5 disciplines including Cross-country skiing and Wheelchair curling.

It’s the first time that Chinese athletes have qualified for Alpine Skiing, Snowboard and Biathlon.

Wang Meimei, deputy chef de mission of the Chinese delegation, said "this winter games will not only be a test for the development of China’s Paralympic winter sports, but also a preparation and practice for 2022 Beijing Paralympic Winter Games."

The key theme of the opening ceremony was "Passion moves us". The director of the opening and closing ceremonies, LEE Moon-tae, said "we want to highlight more the challenges humans face and the victories they achieve."

Korean Paralympic athlete Seo Soon-seok and Olympic athlete Kim Eun-jung lit the Paralympic flame together in a moon-shaped white cauldron.

A total of around 650 athletes from 49 countries and regions will compete in 80 events through March 18 in Pyeongchang, Jeongseon and Gangneung.