The 2016 Paralympic Games have formally begun during a colourful opening ceremony at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Acting Brazilian president Michel Temer declared the Games open in a brief statement that was marred by booing from large sections of the home crowd, unhappy with the current government for the country's economic and political crisis.
Six-time Paralympic gold medallist Clodoaldo Silva, a Brazilian swimmer with the nickname 'the Paralympic shark', had the honour of lighting the pyre to mark the beginning of 11 days of competition in 22 sports.
Earlier, some 164 delegations had entered the stadium, including a two-strong refugee team featuring a Syrian swimmer and an Iranian discus thrower.
Great Britain sent along a team of 264 athletes and were led out by equestrian rider Lee Pearson, who has acquired 10 golds from the last four Paralympic Games.
UK Sport have set ParalympicsGB a target of 121 medals in Rio, one more than earned at London 2012, following TeamGB's record overseas haul at the Olympics.
Relive all the action from the opening ceremony as it unfolded with Sports Mole's commentary - live and direct from inside the Maracana - by clicking here.
Neil Wilkes
