Xi declares opening of Winter Paralympics

Touching performances and technology-enhanced visual effects at an emotional and romantic opening ceremony wowed the world on Friday night as President Xi Jinping declared the opening of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

Fourteen years after the success of the 2008 Summer Paralympics, the Paralympic flame was once again lit in Beijing, with the spectacular and warm opening ceremony attracting the attention of the world.

President Xi announced the opening of the Paralympics after the parade of athletes at the iconic National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, where the opening ceremony of the 2008 Paralympics was held.

"In 2008, Beijing delivered a high-standard Paralympic Games with distinctive features. Today, 14 years on, Beijing is again the center stage of the Paralympic Movement," said Cai Qi, president of the Beijing organizing committee, at the opening ceremony.

"Under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and the strong leadership of the Chinese government, we have been acting on our commitment to deliver a green, inclusive, open and clean Games."

The theme of the opening ceremony was "Improve, Go Beyond and Together". In one of the highlights of the celebration, the popular red lantern-styled Paralympic mascot, Shuey Rhon Rhon, skated onto the stage during the parade of athletes to welcome the representatives of the delegations from across the globe.