The 2014 Winter Paralympic Games in Photos

Although it received considerably less media coverage than the Games that preceded it, the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games were filled with just as many displays of athleticism, sportsmanship, and heart by the 550 participating athletes with disabilities who represented 45 countries. Skiing, hockey, and curling are the main draws, but there were also divisions for alpine skiing for those who are visually impaired, or compete while sitting or standing. The closing ceremony held on Sunday was just as fantastical as any major event should be, complete with aerial acts and elaborate dance numbers. But the most heartwarming moment came via a nod to Alexey Pajitnov, inventor of the video game Tetris, when a gigantic modular sign–in the same style as the classic game–was hoisted above the ground spelling the phrase “I’m Possible.”

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Closing Ceremony

A general view is seen during the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games closing ceremony at Fisht Olympic Stadium.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Closing Ceremony

Aerial performers in action during the closing ceremony.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Closing Ceremony

South Korea dancers perform during the closing ceremony.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Day 3

Haitao Du of China in action in the Men’s 20km Standing event.

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Japan’s Takeshi Suzuki competes to bronze during Men’s Downhill Sitting.

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Canada’s Kirk Schornstein falls during Men’s Downhill Standing.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Day 3

Yurika Abe of Japan competes in the women’s 15km standing cross-country skiing.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Day 6

Braydon Luscombe of Canada competes in the Men’s Slalom 1st Run.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Day 2

Dennis Thiessen of Canada in action during the wheelchair curling mixed round robin match between Sweden and Canada.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Day 7

Anna-Lena Forster of Germany celebrates winning the silver medal during the flower ceremony for the Women’s Super Combined Sitting Super G.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Day 2

Arly Velasquez of Mexico competes in the Men’s Super G Sitting.

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US Tyler Walker falls during Men’s Downhill Sitting.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Day 7

Inga Medvedeva of Russia competes in the Women’s Super Combined Standing Super G.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Day 8

Daniel McCoy of USA is chased by Evgeny Petrov of Russia during the Ice Sledge Hockey Gold Medal match between Russia and USA.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Day 9

Oksana Masters of the United States competes in the Women’s Cross Country 5km – Sitting.

2014 Paralympic Winter Games - Day 9

Yves Bourque of Canada looks on after finishing the Men’s Cross Country10km – Sitting.