Rio de Janeiro hosts Summer Paralympic Games opening ceremony

The Summer Paralympic Games opening ceremony took place at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the traditional parade of athletes featuring the Belarusian team. The national team consists of 21 athletes who will be competing in athletics, swimming, judo, fencing and rowing. The first competitions are scheduled for today. Swimmer Alexandra Svadkovskaya will take part in the 100m breaststroke, five-time champion of the London 2012 Paralympics Igor Boki will participate in the 100m butterfly.The Summer Paralympic Games will last till 18 September, with 528 sets of medals to be competed for within five days.