The 2014 Winter Paralympics officially opened last night in Sochi, Russia. The ceremony was attended by Russian Federation leader Vladmir Putin. 45 nations are competing, including Argentina, Kazakhstan, the United States, Mexico, Armenia, Brazil, Ukraine, and Russia. During the speech about values to be upheld during the Games, sexual orientation was mentioned. There were no direct mentions of the situation in the Crimea region of Ukraine, whose 31-athlete-strong delegation participated in the parade of nations with only their flag bearer. During a press conference earlier yesterday, the Ukrainian Paralympic Committee President said the team had two or three options they were considering for the Opening Ceremony.
The United States team enters the arena. Image: Laura Hale.
Ukraine's flag bearer enters the arena to a loud roar. Image: Laura Hale.
Ukraine's flag bearer enters the arena to a loud roar. Image: Laura Hale.
The Argentinian and Kazakhstani delegations watch the opening ceremony following the parade of nations. Image: Laura Hale.
Valdmir Putin welcomes the athletes. Image: Laura Hale.
The Paralympic flag enters the arena. Image: Laura Hale.
The Paralympic flag is raised and the show continues. Image: Laura Hale.
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This page is archived, and is no longer publicly editable.
Articles presented on Wikinews reflect the specific time at which they were written and published, and do not attempt to encompass events or knowledge which occur or become known after their publication.
Please note that due to our archival policy, we will not alter or update the content of articles that are archived, but will only accept requests to make grammatical and formatting corrections.
Note that some listed sources or external links may no longer be available online due to age.
The United States team enters the arena. 
Ukraine's flag bearer enters the arena to a loud roar. 
The Argentinian and Kazakhstani delegations watch the opening ceremony following the parade of nations. 
