Paralympics Opening Ceremony In Photos: Olympics Come Back To Life (PHOTOS)

18 days after the Olympic closing ceremony, the London 2012 Paralympics are under way at the Olympic Park. The games commenced with a spectacular opening ceremony. Britain’s first Paralympics gold medalist, Margaret Maughan, 84, had the honor of lightning the Paralympics flame. Over 4200 athletes from 164 countries are scheduled to compete in 21 sports during the next 11 days

Prefacing 11 days of competition, the theme of the gala was enlightenment, from the apple falling in Isaac Newton’s garden in Lincolnshire to Stephen Hawking’s celebration of Higgs Particle.

Unlike the opening ceremony of London Olympics, this time all the Queen had to do was turn up and make a short speech. With more than 4,000 athletes from 164 countries taking part in the event, we bring you some of the most spectacular moments of the opening ceremony.

Prepare to be inspired, prepare to be dazzled, and prepare to be moved.

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Image Description: Performers hold placards next to the giant statue as they take part at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games in the Olympic Stadium.

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Image Description: Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games.

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Image Description: Athletes gather under the cauldron in the Olympic Stadium as the opening ceremony proceeds.

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Image Description: A paralympic athlete is lifted into the air in the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the event.

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Image Description: Former Paralympic archer, Margaret Maughan, lights the cauldron in the Olympic Stadium.

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Image Description: Britain's Queen Elizabeth, watched by Prince Edward, opens the London 2012 Paralympic Games in the Olympic Stadium.

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Image Description: Duke of Cambridge Prince William and Duchess Kate watch the opening ceremony of Paralympic Games along with British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha.

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Image Description: The cauldron burns in the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.