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The world’s largest celebration of athletes with disabilities kicked off today in Paris with a festive opening ceremony including the usual mix of live performers, music and official protocols.
For the parade of nations, more than 4,000 athletes from 180-plus delegations marched along the Champs-Élysées from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, where they took part in a show designed by Olympic ceremonies director Thomas Jolly.
The Iranian delegation included 8-foot-1 Morteza Mehrzad, the second-tallest person alive and the tallest ever to compete in the Paralympics. He helped Iran win back-to-back gold medals in men’s sitting volleyball in 2016 and 2021 and is a three-time world player of the year.
Canada’s flag was carried by wheelchair basketball player Pat Anderson and swimmer Katarina Roxon, who have a combined 11 Paralympic appearances …