Subscribe to Breaking News emails

You have successfully subscribed to the Breaking News email.

Subscribe today to be the first to to know about breaking news and special reports.

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.

 / Updated 12 PHOTOS
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
  • Share
Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Performers take part in the opening ceremony.

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

Members of Brazil's team enter the Maracana stadium.

— Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images
  • Share
Image:

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
  • Share
Image: Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games

Fireworks light up the arena.

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

Performers take part in the opening ceremony.

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

Participants react to fireworks.

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

Performers take part during the opening ceremony.

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

Performers at the ceremony.

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

Paralympic athletes from Spain.

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

Athletes enjoy the performance by singer Seu Jorge.

— Buda Mendes / Getty Images
  • Share
1/12