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The first Paralympics games to be hosted in South America are officially underway. with about 4,000 athletes from 161 countries to compete in 22 sport events.

A glittering opening ceremony at a packed Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro welcomed athletes to Brazil with competition beginning proper on Thursday.

Samba singers set the atmosphere and athletes marched into the arena before Brazil’s President Michel Temer declared the games open.

Africa will be represented by 38 countries with South Africa fielding the largest contingent of 45 athletes.

The lighting of the flame was the final event of the evening as athletes and fans alike look forward to the next 11 days of action.