Paralympians competing in Rio will inspire and excite the world as the Games get under way, those who gathered to watch the spectacular opening ceremony were told by head of the International Paralympic Committee Sir Philip Craven.

Well, if the opening ceremony is anything to go by, we think he’s right.

There were giant puppets…

In pictures: The Paralympics are off to a roaring start with a spectacular opening ceremony
A puppet driven by people (Adam Davy/PA)

… and colourful beach-themed umbrellas

In pictures: The Paralympics are off to a roaring start with a spectacular opening ceremony
Umbrellas on the beach (Adam Davy/PA)

US snowboarder and Paralympic bronze medallist Amy Purdy danced with a robot.

In pictures: The Paralympics are off to a roaring start with a spectacular opening ceremony
Amy Purdy dances with a robot (Adam Davy/PA)

These guys looked like an Antony Gormley sculpture

In pictures: The Paralympics are off to a roaring start with a spectacular opening ceremony
Performers stood in columns lit from below (Silvia Izquierdo/AP)

Ticker tape rained down from above as athletes entered the stadium.

In pictures: The Paralympics are off to a roaring start with a spectacular opening ceremony
Fireworks and ticker tape during the opening ceremony (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Wheelchair stunts wowed the crowd

In pictures: The Paralympics are off to a roaring start with a spectacular opening ceremony
Performers in wheelchairs performs tricks and stunts (AP)

What more could you want? If this is anything to go by, we’ve got an incredible two weeks ahead of us.

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