Paralympic Opening Ceremonies

I want all of you out there to be able to get a glimpse of the action going on here in Beijing. First off--Opening Ceremonies!

Here is the US entering during the Parade of Athletes. It is hard to describe the excitement and thrill that we felt as the US entered the stadium. The smiles from the athletes and then seeing Erik come around was great.



The crowd went WILD when the Chinese entered the stadium. Everyone on their feet, screaming and waving their flags. It was an incredible sight. Pictures just don't do it justice.





Another awesome moment was when 320 hearing impaired women danced and signed in unison. AMAZING!



The lighting of the torch was incredible. A wheelchair track gold medalist, strapped to his wheelchair, pulled himself with a pulley above the stadium to light the torch. For a moment, I wasn't sure he was going to make it as you could see the sweat coming down his face and the wind was blowing the flame near his face, but he did it. Again the crowd went crazy as he made it to the top. Unfortuately, we were seated directly under the torch so we watched it from the big screen, but it was very cool. I am still in awe of him, seriously I would have been terrified to say the least.



And then as we were leaving I got a quick picture of the Bird's Nest with the newly lit torch.



Opening Ceremonies were incredible! It cost a absolute fortune to get in, but it was a once in a lifetime experience. Let me tell you, it was worth it.