International Paralympic Committee President Sir Philip Craven - an honorary graduate from the University of Chester - delivered an inspirational opening speech at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Thousands of performers put on a two-hour show at the Maracanã in Rio yesterday to open the 2016 Paralympic Games.

Despite the slow ticket sales, the ceremony was watched by a 78,000 strong audience, completely filling the stadium on what was also Brazil’s Independence Day.

Sir Philip Craven MBE, who lives in Crewe, is a five time paralympian in wheelchair basketball and swimming.

He welcomed everybody to the Maracanã, including the 4,300 athletes from 159 nations who will compete over the next 12 days in what is expected to be the biggest Paralympics yet.

Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President of the Organizing Committee for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Sir Philip Craven, IPC President addresses during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games at Maracana Stadium on September 7, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo by Alexandre Loureiro/Getty Images.
Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President of the Organizing Committee for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Sir Philip Craven, IPC President addresses during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games at Maracana Stadium on September 7, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo by Alexandre Loureiro/Getty Images.

In his speech, Sir Philip described the paralympians as “role models for what the world wants to see in today’s sporting heroes”.

He said: “One hundred and ninety four years ago today, Prince Dom Pedro I declared Brazil’s independence and tonight marks another new dawn in this country’s colourful and proud history.

“The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will bring a new perspective to everyone in this country by showing that the human spirit knows no limits.

“Over the next 12 days, through the performances of paralympians, you will see the true meaning of sport and the true definition of ability.

“You will witness how Paralympic sport has the ability to inspire an individual, and the outstanding capacity to transform communities, countries and continents.

“They will surprise you, inspire and excite you, but most of all they will change you.

“Proud paralympians you are role models for what the world wants to see in today’s sporting heroes.”

Atheletes and performers enjoy fireworks during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games at Maracana Stadium on September 7, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Atheletes and performers enjoy fireworks during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games at Maracana Stadium on September 7, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Sir Philip was the performance director of the GB Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team in 1998 until 2002, CEO of the international wheelchair basketball federation from 1994 to 1998 and company secretary of the British coal corporation from 1986 to 1991.

He has received numerous awards for his work in sport from across the world including the officer in the ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur in France and the order of honour from the Russian Federation two years ago.

He continued his speech, and asked all paralympians to “play fair, abide by the rules, and most of all, have fun”.

“You see obstacles as opportunities, you fight for your rights and here in Rio you have a unique opportunity to make for a more equitable world,” he added.

“Your values tell people what you stand for and most importantly who you are.

“Show the world that there is no them, there is only us; a world where people of all abilities, races, nationalities and sexualities can come together as one. We are all part of one world.

“We have done our best to ensure a level playing field for all; in return I ask you to play fair, abide by the rules and most of all have fun doing what you do best.”

Across 19 different sports, 258 British athletes will compete at the Paralympic games this year.

GB’s Paralympians won 120 medals at London 2012, finishing third behind China and Russia.

However, Russia will not take part in this year’s games due to a blanket ban issued to all athletes over the doping scandal currently engulfing the nation.