Beijing - The 2008 Paralympic Games were officially opened by China's President Hun Jintao in Beijing on Saturday. "I declare the Paralympic Games of Beijing open," Hu said towards the end a spectacular opening ceremony before 91,000 people in Beijing's "Bird's Nest" national stadium.
The 4,000 athletes from 48 Paralympic committees paraded around the track in the vast new arena, which also hosted last month's Olympic Games.
The 13th Paralympics, the biggest Games yet for disabled competitors, will run until September 17.
