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Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

World

Wheelchair Jumps and Dancing With Robots at Paralympics Opening

The 2016 Paralympic Summer Games opened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with a spectacular wheelchair jump.

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Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Clodoaldo Silva is embraced by singer Seu Jorge after lighting the cauldron during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games at Maracana Stadium on Sept. 7, 2016. The Games will run until Sept. 18.

Buda Mendes / Getty Images
Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Performers take part in the opening ceremony.

SERGIO MORAES / Reuters
Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

American Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham, in a wheelchair, jumps from a massive ramp and performs a back flip through a giant ring.

UESLEI MARCELINO / Reuters
Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Members of Brazil's team enter the Maracana stadium.

Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images
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Amy Purdy wears a 3-D printed dress as she dances with a robotic arm during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Paralympics.
Mauro Pimentel / AP
Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Fireworks light up the arena.

Thomas Lovelock for OIS/IOC / EPA
Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Performers take part in the opening ceremony.

CARLOS GARCIA RAWLINS / Reuters
Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Participants react to fireworks.

YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP - Getty Images
Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Performers take part during the opening ceremony.

SERGIO MORAES / Reuters
Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Performers at the ceremony.

UESLEI MARCELINO / Reuters
Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Paralympic athletes from Spain.

RICARDO MORAES / Reuters
Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Athletes enjoy the performance by singer Seu Jorge.

Buda Mendes / Getty Images
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