The 2014 Paralympic Winter Games kicked off in Sochi, Russia on Friday with an opening ceremony that didn't skimp on the pageantry we've now come to expect from the host country's over-the-top presentations — dramatic lights, swarms of ballerinas, elaborate costumes and a giant floating ship. Oh, and President Vladimir Putin was there, too.
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With 80 athletes, the U.S. strode into the stadium with the largest delegation of any country, followed closely behind by Russia's 67 athletes, who were last to enter Fisht Olympic Stadium. Despite the current geopolitical crisis happening in Crimea, Ukrainian athletes will participate in this year's games. Although the U.S. sent its athletes, it did not send a presidential delegation to Sochi due to the recent events between Russia and Ukraine.
At least a little bit of drama is already spilling over into these games. Ukraine sent more than 20 athletes to the games, but only one participated in the opening ceremony. Russia's team entered minutes later to the song "Goodbye America."
Fireworks explode over the Fisht Olympic Stadium at the start of the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games at Fisht Olympic Stadium on March 7, 2014.
A choir sings during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.
Flag-bearers prepare to raise the Russian flag during the Opening Ceremony.
Performers simulate the Russian flag of people seemingly moving in the wind during the Opening Ceremony.
Fireworks explode inside the Fisht Olympic Stadium on March 7, 2014.
Ballerinas dance during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.
Performers representing 'Firebirds' fly above the arena during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.
Ballerinas dance during the Opening Ceremony.
Team USA enters the Fisht Olympic Stadium.
Biathlete Mykhaylo Tkachenko of Ukraine bears the flag as he enters the stadium alone in protest during the Opening Ceremony.
Russian President Vladimir Putin watches the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.
Performers spell out 'Together' during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.
A giant ice-breaker ship, meant to symbolize peace, enters the arena carrying Russian soprano Maria Guleghina. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Paralympic flag is raised at Fisht Olympic Stadium on March 7, 2014 in Sochi, Russia.