A German court has dismissed appeals by 84 Russian athletes seeking to compete at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.
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“People with disability can achieve awesome things – such as winning a gold medal at the Paralympics – if given the opportunity, and should be supported to participate in and contribute to all levels of sport”, Mrs O’Rourke said.
Six countries are sending athletes for the very first time, and Syrian swimmer Ibrahim Al-Hussein, who lost a leg in an explosion in his nation’s civil war, and Iranian discus thrower Shahrad Nasajpour make up a two-strong refugee team.
American Tatyana McFadden will go for seven gold medals and others will emerge.
The team, led by 21-year-old Hokitika native Holly Robinson, now number one in the world in the Women’s Javelin F46, enjoyed a typically bright Rio entrance, with the theme “Every Body Has A Heart”. New Zealand is aiming to win a total of 18 medals, including 12 gold, according to Paralympics NZ.
The 10-time equestrian gold medallist was chosen by his 263 fellow athletes, while Ireland were led by sailor John Twomey, who is competing at his 11th Paralympics.
Pearson said: “That was one of the most unbelievable experiences of my entire life”.
The transition to the stadium’s sights and sounds began with Las Vegas native Aaron Wheelz, an extreme wheelchair athlete, speeding down a ramp and through a giant “0” to signify the end of the countdown to the start of the Opening Ceremony.
“Now let’s crack on with the Games and show the world what we can do”.
Second place on the medal table – behind China – is also the target.
Following some wonderful action, performances and fireworks, the mood was soured a little when the Belarus contingent walked into the Maracana Stadium carrying a Russian flag.
The athletes’ parade was followed by a concert.
Meanwhile, Russia also on Wednesday kicked off its own event for its athletes banned from Brazil over evidence of state-run doping.
Hosts Brazil were met by a huge cheer as they entered the arena and completed the puzzle and the heart began to beat.
IPC President Sir Philip Craven described the the anti-doping system in Russia as “broken, corrupted and entirely compromised”, while accusing the Russian Government of “catastrophically failing” its Para-athletes.
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“Whether there’s anything else – I don’t know if there’s anything else”, Craven said of Bach’s decision. A world where people of all abilities, races, nationalities and sexualities can come together as one.
