Editing Paralympic Games (section)

===Opening===
[[File:Paralympics Opening Ceremony.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A portion of the stadium with stands full of people, a large artificial tree is on the right side of the image. A group of people are walking together on the stadium floor|Opening ceremony of the [[2004 Summer Paralympics]] in [[Athens]]]]
As mandated by the Paralympic Charter, various elements frame the opening ceremonies of the Paralympic Games. Most of these rituals were established are the same that [[1920 Summer Olympics]] in Antwerp and were shared with the [[Olympic Games]].<ref name=OCprotocol1>{{cite web |title=The Modern Olympic Games |publisher=International Olympic Committee |page=5 |url= http://www.olympic.org/Documents/Reports/EN/en_report_668.pdf |archive-date=2015-04-15 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150415035028/http://www.olympic.org/Documents/Reports/EN/en_report_668.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> The Opening ceremony typically starts with the hoisting of the host country's flag and a performance of its national anthem. Immediately after the welcome act and the host country anthem and hosting their flag the "Parade of Nations" starts with the athletes into the stadium grouped by nation. Since the [[1960 Summer Paralympics]], the nations enter the stadium alphabetically according to the host country's or region official language, though with the host country's athletes being the last to enter. Beginning with the 2020 Summer Paralympics, the succeeding hosts of the respective Olympic Games (summer or winter) will enter immediately before the current host in descending order. The host nation presents artistic displays of their culture and folklore.

Protocolary segments are held with the speeches given, formally opening the games. After the opening declaration, the Paralympic flag enters the stadium and is hosted along with the Paralympic Anthem, aside from the host country flag, and the oaths by athletes, coaches, and judges are taken. Finally, the Paralympic flame is brought into the stadium and passed on until it reaches the final torch carrier—often a Paralympic athlete from the host nation—who lights the Paralympic flame in the stadium's cauldron.<ref>{{cite web |title=Paralympic opening ceremony to be 'family friendly' |publisher=Canwest News Service |work=The Vancouver Sun |date=2010-03-12 |url=https://vancouversun.com/health/Paralympic+opening+ceremony+family+friendly/2676023/story.html |access-date=2010-05-03 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100317140459/http://www.vancouversun.com/health/Paralympic%2Bopening%2Bceremony%2Bfamily%2Bfriendly/2676023/story.html |archive-date=2010-03-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>