Opening Ceremony - London 2012 Paralympic Games

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions. The IPC is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to develop sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from the beginner to elite level. In addition, the IPC aims to promote the Paralympic values, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality. For further information, please visit www.paralympic.org. To watch live action and videos on demand of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and subscribe to ParalympicSport.TV, please go to / paralympicsporttv . Also, you may follow the Paralympic Movement on Facebook at / paralympicgames or on Twitter at / paralympic .

[@dramaqueen5748]

the Paralympic athletes are super heroes and are true inspirations for people all over the world. they all deserve gold medals for their hard work and dedication and for not letting the differences get the best of them. I send them all my love and praise.

[@chaoflaka8132]

How come I didn't realize Paralympics have their own opening ceremony.... :(

[@jinyat]

Southeast Asia Countries 46:01 Brunei Darussalam 🇧🇳 48:04 Cambodia 🇰🇭 1:18:48 Indonesia 🇮🇩 1:31:02 Lao PDR 🇱🇦 1:35:21 Malaysia 🇲🇾 1:43:57 Myanmar 🇲🇲 1:51:59 Philippines 🇵🇭 1:59:56 Singapore 🇸🇬 2:08:58 Thailand 🇹🇭 2:09:40 Timor-Leste 🇹🇱 2:21:59 Vietnam 🇻🇳

[@onefanofwonderland]

The 78th minute part is where I live

[@HakiAchilleDoku]

Extraordinary! great emotion. I was the only athlete from Albania who participated for the first time in the history of the Paralympic Games. vision 31 th minute of the video. thank you for this memory.

[@stuartkn925]

wonderful

[@timpont54]

That is awesome man

[@sarakeith2246]

When I saw and researched about Paralympic Games I was like “I wanna attend the summer Paralympic Games!” Because I was real good at Table Tennis 🏓 when I was a little girl but the only problem is that I take medicine for my depression and stuff like that. I don’t know if I can participate or not because I take medicine for depression, my thyroid and that is all I can think of. Man I wish I can participate in the 2024 Paralympic Games for once… just once. To make my dreams come true. But I am not crippled. I just have disabilities which is my diagnosis called Autism, Bipolar Disorders (I don’t know if it’s bipolar disorder one or two) Mild MR and OCD.

[@bobihh8621]

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[@princegupta8889]

@@timpont54 l

[@Smithy882]

I was lucky enough to be one of the certifying engineers on the pyrotechnics and led lights fitment on the flypast aircraft (starting at about 04:50) .... fabulous to be involved with this. I have a stunning photo on my wall of this aircraft taken after the event on a aerial photo shoot taken into a beautiful sunset at Blackbushe before we decommissioned the pyros and lights and out the plane back to original

[@0t0ku]

I've got to be honest. My favorite part was the Paralympic Oath. I think all athletes regardless of their affiliation or sovereignty should take this or a similar oath at BOTH the Olympic and the Paralympic Games. This is my first Paralympic opening, and I respected and was in awe of that part more than any other part of the ceremony.

[@sarakeith2246]

I always wanted to hear the Paralympic Hymn. When I hear it, it will be in my heart because I have disabilities although I am not crippled nor lost any limbs but I was good at table tennis 🏓 when I was a little bitty girl.

[@arteepee]

R.I.P. Dave Toole - the aerial dancer in this video (3:10:00 to 3:16:00) - departed this Earth October 2020. :-(

[@sarakeith2246]

I didn’t notice he died last year. I better look it up on Wikipedia.

[@shivanirajvansi2385]

I am so happy to see this beautiful opening ceremony😍🎊🎊

[@APOCALYPSEZGN]

I was a dancer with the Blue dresses our segment was called Navigation!!! It has been a tremendous experience which I will never ever forget!!! I am so impressed how everything turned out so beautifully!!! Very very proud! Thx London 2012 for the opportunity :)))

[@sarakeith2246]

Oh I did not know that.

[@kurinthekitty6842]

Thank you for your contribution in the opening ceremony

[@ck0024]

9:45 One eye symbolism

[@funkybillie2006]

the CERN bit is interesting. Spaticus autisticus after we take a vaccine and thet turn on the machine.

[@joeclooney1997]

Pyramids all around the stadium and Saturn worship, they can't help themselves

[@eccawarrior]

3.01.18 Brave New World, it’s disgusting

[@lolbatkovna475]

@@eccawarrior , 3:01:18?

[@eccawarrior]

@@lolbatkovna475 yes that’s it, wasn’t sure how to mark the timeframe

[@sarakeith2246]

I get the goosebumps when I hear the beautiful Paralympic Anthem.

[@karelcornelius9586]

1:01 Dark Visual 1:18 To London 4:52 Olympic Stadium 6:47 Began to ceremony 25:58 National Anthem of UK 1:18:49 Indonesia 2:23:47 UK 2:50:14 Inauguration 3:36:48 Obor On

[@thesbytolbert7769]

yeah i love it!now why didn't they show this in the usa on tv?this is one of many reasons why my chicago didn't get the olympics.to my country it's all about the olympics only.it has to be about the paralympics too!

[@michelacaudill1n]

The opening to the International Paralympic Games was extraordinary. It was inclusive, original, and all together thrilling.

[@ILOVEPARIS1288]

i think great britain is the only country that really recognize the paralympic! that is very great!

[@TheGeographyWatch]

Well, Great Britain invented the paralympics so of course, they would take it seriously

[@sarakeith2246]

@@TheGeographyWatch I did not know that.

[@kieransawdust]

There was a massive ad campaign in the run up to the London 2012 Paralympics after the Olympics, just billboards everywhere saying “thanks for the warm up”, it was great!

[@anitaboddie8474]

I'm prod to be a human being on this great big planet we call Earth!!! I am happily reminded that because I am unable to do some things, that there is so much more I can still do. God Bless all of the athletes whom have competed in these past ParAlympics and to those whom will be competing in a couple of weeks!!!

[@TwoDryads]

Umbrellas and apples are very much part of everyday life in Britain, but the ordinary became extraordinary in the Paralympic Games' ambitious and unexpectedly scientific Opening Ceremony. Themes of discovery, adventure, human endeavour and equality are so much more upbeat than the Scouring of the Shire and a painful Hey Jude. Marvellous!

[@ladyearin]

these are real heroes!I should really take inspiration from them!

[@Spongespore]

The closing ceremony was AWESOME

[@Tharun786]

Thats what I mean. The olympics opening ceremony was clearly done on a bigger budget, however this one actually told a story and brought out real emotions. It was hard not to have a lump in ya throat while watching this. It showed that you don't need to go all out there with money, fireworks and so on, you just need a good form of story telling and put real heart into it.

[@jegv72]

Vamos Chile !!!. Nuestros atletas entregarán su mayor esfuerzo. Lo hacen a diario.

[@SharksRule567]

The national anthem was absolutely beautiful.

[@anniewiz]

Astonishing Opening ceremony, but I thought it was better than the Olympic Opening Ceremony!

[@eikcid]

Same for me Thank you!!!

Amazing!!!! All those actors, dancers, and athletes are an inspiration. Also, de participation of Stephen Hawking, with a message of hope , constant struggle in life... BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@simonbrowning4229]

3:26.00. Was an amazing moment, every thing Ian Dury stood for and still does. He would have been so pleased, such a shame he never got to see this.

[@teeeeeeeeeeeee33]

Who is Ian Dury? I'm four so

[@danielmacforest1073]

This is ceremony is MADE IN HEAVEN!

[@Rasprogress]

Nigeria was very beautiful...full agbada! Nice to see other countries such as Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Namibia and Kenya represented as well.

[@Jebachize]

Trailer for 2020

[@femalop]

¡Increíble! Estuve como espectador la noche de la ceremonia y desde luego en directo era impresionante ¡La mejor sin duda! The best ceremony I've ever seen!!

[@doryshea7834]

We in the US have to go on youtube or search your cable company for the NBC sports network and find the one hour a day they are broadcasting of it. Out of the 48 countries represented the US is the only one not doing the same full coverage that we give the Olympics.

[@anniewiz]

Thank you SO VERY much!!!

[@anthonyabdorab7185]

thank you

[@japhetpanzu6634]

I was there in the Paralympic as a dancer for Reader Child No.11 and perfom after when the Paralympican Athletes had finished and I bit shy about this event,also i dance with my friends as well.Its was very wonderfull to prefom threre and i must thank the crew for picked me.

[@archangelsastrology]

Makes me feel all goose-bumpy!

[@sdiug65]

Margaret Maughan who was the First para gold medalist and lit the para cauldron passed away on this May 20, 8 years later from then.

[@elvisantero]

thanks for uploading!!

[@hereugo2007]

very impressive and well done.

[@legobrickprince]

The Directors want to so proud of themselves, They put on a magnificent show, Personally much more touching and better than Boyle's Ceremony.

[@Peachgirl_xo]

i saw it live yesturday! it was awesome

[@legobrickprince]

Am the only one who thinks this ceremony was so much better than Olympic opening ????? Cause this ceremony was really cool !!!!.

[@masumamiah101]

i am giong to the paralympic on september 6th. cant wait

[@ncoloss1972]

Great opening ceremony (better without commentary). Amazing super human athletes. These guys are not disabled, they are diffabled.... That is to say they're differently abled. They are the elites at their sports. Well done everyone.

[@sarakeith2246]

Well Said!

[@InsolitusOdd]

I didn't actually get to watch this when it was on tv. Why? Simple. I spent practically the entire performance stood at Bridge A (the one closest to The Orbit Tower) working as a volunteer, I'm so glad I can finally watch it.

[@rihmoellanz]

wow amazing!

[@crozzxj8556]

yup. i love this london paralympic opening one over the olympic opening one

[@marionchampeau7958]

cool! i love London 2012 Paralympic Games

[@McD5791]

well, at least there's no ad breaks in this coverage, so you don't miss anything... (looking right atcha, Channel 4!!!)

[@lebkha]

amazing ceremony

[@McPrfctday]

I was thinking about Ian Dury earlier and wishing he was alive to play here... as the Olympics had a music theme. I can hardly believe they actually did it at about 3:26:00 AWESOME!!!!

[@sa2mcwilliam]

This is a different opening sequence than the official broadcast. The TV showed a video about the 7/7 bombings & the stadium had a video about 4 of the performers and their journeys. The moment when Lance corporal Rawlins said, "If you want to know what I will be doing during the ceremony, look up!" was truly stunning. He was flying the Aerobility plane. The crowd roared! I was standing in the middle of the stadium at this point and was an inspiring moment when he flew over! Thanks for posting!

[@anniewiz]

Yes I'm so grateful! It's one hour a day, but better than nothing! : )

[@chocolate-xg5uf]

14:09 Sir Ian Mckellen as Prospero appeared in a stunning blue and golden robe "Miranda, go out into the world! Will you be for all of us gathering here, our eyes, our ears, and our hearts. Shine your light on to the beautiful diversity of humanity. Understand those rights, the protectors... Look up, stretch your wings and fly. Will you take this journey for all of us? And will you set us free?" 03:00:09 Sir Ian appearing again "Miranda, Books are engines of change, windows on the world, lighthouses erected in the sea of time. They are companions, teachers, magicians, guardians of the treasures of the mind. Books are humanity, imprint." 03:02:20 Sir Ian with Nicola Miles-Wildin as Miranda 03:03:23 Sir Ian with Nicola Miles-Wildin as Miranda 03:04:13 Sir Ian pointing the sky 03:05:30 Sir Ian holding one of Prospero’s books 03:05:50 "Miranda, look to the light. Look!" 03:06:53 Sir Ian blewing a kiss to Miranda 03:20:49 Sir Ian holding a microscope 03:23:15 "I find my zenith doth depend on a most auspicious star." from The Tempest "Miranda ,Miranda, Your greatest adventure still lies ahead. You've delved into books. You've seen for yourself humanity's shining limitless possibilities. You've sailed away in search of that light and observed the wonders of science and the universe. And now, your next step. Be yourself. Be who you truly are, and help to change the world for all of us here." 03:44:41 03:45:26 Sir Ian dancing with Miranda I'm here for Sir Ian!!! He is so precious😭

[@ballyhigh11]

I had the privilege of being at the opening ceremony and it was truly magical. The Eternal Source of Light Divine sequence was beyond words. I had tears running down my face at the beauty and poignancy of that part of the performance. 2012 made me truly proud to be a Londoner.

[@zactheminiom2007]

that was 12 years ago the special effcats in both was instail light and magic

[@kerrybratt1009]

What an amazing show!

[@joshherzog2981]

I love it!

[@antdude]

Thank you for posting these. Please post other cities' too! :)

[@ohfuddleduddle]

Awesome vid! Go Argentina and Canada!!!

[@8Finious]

Don't be decieved by the beauty of the stadium, it has its hidden darkness.

[@BrunoBee100]

THIS IS SPARTA!!! And Good luck for your Eurobasket 2013

[@annacairns]

Rip Dave Toole (flying in like Superman white shirt) lovely dancer.

[@sarakeith2246]

How did he pass away? Just curious

[@anniewiz]

Me too, in a HEARTBEAT!!!

[@dadc926]

Dude, oldest profile i've ever found

[@laurabenfield9939]

was so inspirational and amazing one of the best experiences of my lie!!

[@anniewiz]

I am thanks, but for the VERY first time, I'm seeing them for an hour, but an hour is better than nothing! : ) I was to go to the Paralympics in '79, but had to have surgery, then off to College. It was meant to be. It's SO much work Leonard. : ) Are you in GB? I'm in Canada.

[@chipsaunt]

Happy memories, i was able to go to the Paralympics, coo I had that to look forward to all summer in 2012 q

[@mehdihweb]

You done a fantastic job , well done thanks for posting ...,,it was amazing LOL

[@andikaonyoutube]

A genuinely gracious version of God Save the Queen at 25:56

[@CastleUnderwater]

The phrase 'brave new world' comes from Miranda's speech in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'. It has nothing to do with Huxley's book, which used the line ironically.

[@heurtebizejulien7714]

Magnifique !

[@danny0]

Yes, that is Ian McKellan.

[@kintokifoods9140]

いよいよ、London Paralympic が開幕しました。日本の選手の方始め、世界中の障害を持った方々が、一生懸命活躍する姿を観て、陰ながら応援させて頂きます。 フレーフレー！地球人！！

[@stylessengel_]

1:38:45 MÉXICO 🇲🇽❤️

[@user-bj2lu9qt3o]

2:02:00 It's Oscar Pistorius that made me aware of the Paralympics and the impressive abilities of the athletes. He has my utmost respect for that.

[@sourstripsanime]

It feels like the Christmas season

[@Gisburne2000]

We are proud to have hosted both the Olympics and Paralympics, and if you think the medal tables are all that's important, you have completely missed the point. But as you bring it up, this is actually the Paralympics, in which I seem to recall GB came third and the USA was back down in SIXTH place. The USA didn't even show any live coverage of the Paralympics, which is an absolute disgrace - it was an amazing show from all the athletes of ALL nations, and from everyone involved.

[@rainybritania097]

i love how some of the americans were gobbing off during the other olympics and everything, and people were arguing. On paralmpics i haven't seen anyone being rude, most people watching just watch it for the sport, which is how it should be! Best paralympics i have ever seen, just watched the cycling with 2 new world records Wow!

[@1hugohugo1]

best, I don't have words

[@felipaokbca]

I just watched this in 2016. Gourgeos. Hoping Rio will be as good as this one!

[@jiji9007]

It was better

[@vickgriffon7450]

Rio did a pretty cool job with the smart projections on the floor. I loved it.

[@chandrandev9]

The sound you hear at 3:19:15 are 62,000 people in the stadium biting into a apple at the same time.

[@agpv11]

No se porque pelear, el deporte nos une a todos y quien gane medallas es una satisfacción única el echo de estar ahí todos los atletas ya ganaron. México en el min.1:38:46

[@legobrickprince]

I did, I was there , I loved it, If you look at all my comments ive been saying how much beauty there is in this ceremony. I must have made a spelling mistake on one of my comment saying I did not find any beauty in it. Literally I found it incredible and this was the best ceremony Personally I think London has done so far in the olympics and paralympics. Ive been having this argument with this person as she found it boring and embaressing saying it was for old people. But i changed her opinion.

[@lindsaydrummond]

Wish I was there! x

[@alex6714]

It is when the Paralympic flag is carried, after the Athletes come in.

[@elvisantero]

nice to know you!!!

[@looliefernandez]

amazing =)

[@chandrandev9]

Stop the video at 0:22:44 and you will find an usual thing. I was appart of the paralympics both performing and volunteering. It was the best thing I ever done.

[@legobrickprince]

Thanks :)

[@laurabenfield9939]

aww i went to go watch that

[@seventailfox918]

It's called Entry of The Flame - look on iTunes for it, part of the Opening Ceremony when (surprise!) the flame came into the stadium.

[@Mustafalarf]

my sun who nearly lost his hand by a sniper in Afganistan hopefully will be there next paralympics he is well on the way to recovery and hopefully will have left the Talliban and we will have Peace by the time the next ones come around, and have the Afgan Flag flying high with a GOLD medal..

[@feragalva]

really? that´s awesome :D thanks your so kind :3

[@anniewiz]

Yup!

[@paralympics]

It's #1yearon since the London 2012 Paralympic Games. What are your favourite #ParalymmpicMemories ?

[@motiveinspo3661]

I love everything about the Paralympics, they are so inspirational and i hope 1 day i can be in the Olympics!!!!!!!! :) +ParalympicSportTV

[@bevsergent7250]

Ellie Simmons winning the gold and breaking the olympic & world record...it was awesome to watch! Wish I could have been in UK to see it happen in person! That's my top one...but there's also Oscar Pistoria and oooh so many more that I can't name them all. The athletes and games were the best I have ever watched in all the 50 yrs I've been watching them!! Well done London and Paralympics!! I'm looking forward to 2016 hope they are on na par with London but I know they will be! :-) Always are!

[@cameronwyper3318]

+Paralympic Games Easy, Peacock winning 100m gold

[@SuperCatman]

haha 4 years now

[@SuperCatman]

haha 5 years now

[@raidwipe]

yes

[@42RHD]

And WAY snappier outfits than the Olympic teams, way more fun!

[@samuelattias9150]

A Cool Game!

[@thesbytolbert7769]

i love it!

[@chandrandev9]

I was appart of the opening ceremony (the paralympics) I was a marshal the ones in yellow blue dancing when the athelths came in. It was the best thing that i have ever done.

[@RenkeFromCoast]

Due to this I subscribed to you.

[@feircefeir]

thanks a lot, i didn't know i could tweak my sounds. i just wanted to feel like i was actually at the ceremony. going to have a tinker and watch it again.

[@Reiki1sue]

its ok sound wasnt at beginning of clip - got it now! thanks