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11 incredible images from the Paralympics opening ceremony

Fireworks? Check. Flying wheelchairs? Check. Queen Elizabeth II wearing red earplugs? Check.

Aug 30th 2012, 10:33 AM 6,909 Views 9 Comments

THE PARALYMPICS WERE officially launched last night with a fantastical opening ceremony in the Olympic Stadium.

Here are 11 incredible images captured by press photographers:

1. Double amputee Joe Townsend ziplines into the stadium with the Olympic torch

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2. Stephen Hawking addresses the crowd

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3. Flying wheelchairs

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4. Did somebody say ‘flying wheelchairs’?

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5. Team Ireland’s arrival

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6. Queen Elizabeth wearing bright red earplugs

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7. Queen Elizabeth wearing bright red earplugs right after something annoying has happened

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8. Ian McKellen in a purple spangly robe

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9. Did you feel rain? I think I felt rain.

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10. This.

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11. And this.

All images: Press Association

Pictures and video: The 8 weirdest moments from the Olympics closing ceremony>

VIDEOS: The highlights of the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony>

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About the author

Michael Freeman

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11 incredible images from the Paralympics opening ceremony

Fireworks? Check. Flying wheelchairs? Check. Queen Elizabeth II wearing red earplugs? Check.