Paralympics: Nine days of competition for disabled athletes
The Paralympics Winter Games has officially been opened by 450 physically challenged athletes from 36 countries.
The Salt Lake Paralympics are the eighth such winter games and the first Winter Paralympics ever set up by an Olympic organising committee.
A near-sellout crowd filled the 44,600-capacity stadium with country-rock singer Wynonna and Stevie Wonder the featured acts.
International Paralympic Committee president Philip Craven welcomed the athletes and spectators. "Let's do it again," he said. "I know how you cannot wait to get started."
"You dream, compete and conquer," said Salt Lake Organising Committee president Mitt Romney.
President Bush saluted the Paralympians in a videotaped speech.
"Every athlete at these games will demonstrate that we are limited only by the size of our own dreams and that desire and courage can overcome any obstacle life may bring you," he said.
Other performers included violinist Vannessa-Mae, 13-year-old country singer Billy Gilman and Utah native Donny Osmond.
The games run until March 16.
