Paralympics opening ceremony — Paralympian Margaret Maughan lights the Paralympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics on Wednesday, August 29. Paralympics opening ceremony — The Paralympic flag is carried by members of the Great Britain wheelchair basketball team. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — The Paralympic flag is raised. AFP/Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — Athletes from Mexico parade in front of a cheering crowd. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — A large-scale reproduction of Marc Quinn's celebrated sculpture "Alison Lapper Pregnant" is presented. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — The Olympic Stadium and Orbit shine brightly during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympics on Wednesday, August 29. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — Artists brandished silver umbrellas during their performance. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — Some performers wore lighted visors. AFP/Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — A giant apple featured prominently. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — A small plane trails sparks over the Olympic Stadium. AFP/Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, watch the ceremony. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — Artists perform with umbrellas. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — Wheelchair rugby player Greg Smith of Australia carries the flag during the ceremony. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — Artists perform with colorful umbrellas during the opening ceremony. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — Attendees applaud Queen Elizabeth II and her son Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — The opening ceremony featured plenty of fantastic imagery. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — A choir performs "Principia" by British composer Errollyn Wallen. Paralympics opening ceremony — Service members from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force display the Great Britain flag. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — The participants sport unique headgear. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — Miranda performs during the ceremony. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — Artists also wielded silvery umbrellas for the ceremony. Getty Images Paralympics opening ceremony — The opening ceremony featured plenty of bright lights and beautiful colors. Getty Images Prev Next