It was a fine-tuned and beautiful inauguration of the Paralympics in Beijing, which heated up when IPK's chairman spoke in his inaugural speech.

- I have to start with a message of peace, says Parsons.

- I, who am the leader of an organization where inclusion is a motto, is terrified of what is going on.

Now is the time for dialogue and diplomacy, not war and hatred.

IPK decided on Thursday to exclude Russian and Belarusian participants from the Paralympics due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine with the support of Belarus.

During the march, the Ukrainian troupe received much applause from the audience.

Sweden's squad was led by flag bearers Kristina Ulander and Viljo Petersson Dahl, curling players.

"It must be respected"

Andrew Parsons was clear that the Paralympic movement does not tolerate warfare, especially not during the Olympic ceasefire that will prevail throughout the Paralympics.

- It must be respected and not violated.

IPK inspires a better and more inclusive world, free from discrimination, hatred, ignorance and conflict, says Parsons.

He stressed that the activists from 46 nations participating in the Paralympics compete with each other and not against each other and he ended his speech by shouting:

- Fred!

Subsequently, Chinese President Xi Jinping inaugurated the Games and the Paralympic fire could also be lit a moment later.