Protest disrupts “awesome” Paralympic opening ceremony

By Paul Carter

The 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing have officially begun after a magnificent opening ceremony inside the Bird’s Nest stadium.

The highly colourful and energetic ceremony featured more than 6,000 performers, and was based on the themes of space, time and life.

It culminated in a truly amazing feat, as Chinese athlete Hou Bin hoisted himself and his wheelchair up a rope to light the Olympic flame.

The protest was slightly marred however by an invasion into the main arena by a lone female protester, who was swiftly bundled to the floor by security officers before being removed.

The pictures were not shown by Chinese television.

Great Britain’s flag-bearer at the ceremony was the reigning 800m champion Danny Crates, who described the event as “truly awesome.”

“It was utterly spectacular, even more so than I had imagined,” he said.

“I don’t think you can prepare yourself for walking out in front of 91,000 people, but I had goose bumps. It was such a huge honour.

“To lead such a professional, well-prepared team of elite athletes is a very proud moment. You feel yourself welling up when you are part of an opening ceremony anyway, let alone carrying the flag. But being a true Essex lad I held the tears back.”