In pictures: Opening ceremony of Winter Paralympics 2018

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In pictures: Opening ceremony of Winter Paralympics 2018

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(Web Desk) – The biggest Winter Paralympics in history opened in South Korea on Friday with a glittering ceremony as South Korean President Moon Jae-in officially declared the Games open in sub-zero temperatures.

The opening ceremony featured light shows, fireworks as well as traditional South Korean performances and modern dance.

In an opening address, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president Andrew Parsons urged the Paralympians to "keep fighting, play fair, have fun and keep pushing your limits.

"Your extraordinary stories are what dreams are made of and will be told for years to come."

The ceremony culminated in the Paralympic flame being brought into the stadium, and a "moon-shaped", white cauldron being lit.

There are 567 athletes at the Games competing in 80 medal events across six sports: alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, ice hockey, snowboard and wheelchair curling.

The first events begin on Saturday, with athletes competing in downhill skiing and biathlon. The games will run until March 18.

A light sculpture depicting a Paralympic skier is displayed at the ceremony. Photo: Getty

Dancers in fancy costumes perform on the beat of the traditional Korean buk drums. Photo: Getty

Team Japan athletes wave miniature flags during the opening ceremony. Photo: Reuters

The South Korean flag is carried into the stadium. Photo: Getty

A record 567 athletes from 48 countries, as well as the neutral Paralympic delegation, are involved in this year’s Games. Photo: Getty

Torchbearers run up the steps to light the Olympic flame during the opening ceremony on Friday. Photo: Reuters

Bandabi, the Paralympics’ Asiatic black bear mascot, skates into the arena during the opening ceremony. Photo: Getty

Dancers line the stage during a performance at the opening ceremony. Photo: Reuters

The cauldron is lit amid a huge fireworks display during the opening ceremony on Friday. Photo: Reuters