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.”
A general view is seen during the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games closing ceremony at Fisht Olympic Stadium.
Aerial performers in action during the closing ceremony.
South Korea dancers perform during the closing ceremony.
Haitao Du of China in action in the Men’s 20km Standing event.
Japan’s Takeshi Suzuki competes to bronze during Men’s Downhill Sitting.
Canada’s Kirk Schornstein falls during Men’s Downhill Standing.
Yurika Abe of Japan competes in the women’s 15km standing cross-country skiing.
Braydon Luscombe of Canada competes in the Men’s Slalom 1st Run.
Dennis Thiessen of Canada in action during the wheelchair curling mixed round robin match between Sweden and Canada.
Anna-Lena Forster of Germany celebrates winning the silver medal during the flower ceremony for the Women’s Super Combined Sitting Super G.
Arly Velasquez of Mexico competes in the Men’s Super G Sitting.
US Tyler Walker falls during Men’s Downhill Sitting.
Inga Medvedeva of Russia competes in the Women’s Super Combined Standing Super G.
Daniel McCoy of USA is chased by Evgeny Petrov of Russia during the Ice Sledge Hockey Gold Medal match between Russia and USA.
Oksana Masters of the United States competes in the Womens Cross Country 5km – Sitting.
Yves Bourque of Canada looks on after finishing the Mens Cross Country10km – Sitting.