A military helicopter flew over the stadium bearing the French flag and hundreds of performers conveyed Lyon's rich cultural heritage, taking spectators back some 800 years with a historical reenactment.

Lyon 2013 President Gérard Masson welcomed the international athletes, representatives and supporters, and thanked the organisers for their efforts.

"With the organisational committee team, we put all our energy and heart to welcome our guests from all continents, in the best possible conditions, dedicated to performance and to the show," he said.

"The passion that our teams have been showing for three years, associated with the enthusiasm of the 1,200 volunteers mobilised, will allow everyone to enjoy this week with conviviality and excellence around the Paralympic athletics."

A military helicopter towing a French flag flew over the stadium as the IPC World Athletics Championships officially opened

French Government officials, including Sports Minister Valerie Fourneyron, Minister for Gender Equality Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, and Minister for Disability and the Fight against exclusion Marie-Arlette Carlotti, were present at the ceremony.

The host nation's flag was passed by Thomas Braun, a master corporal of the French army wounded in Afghanistan, to members of the French Paralympic team that will compete at the Sochi 2014 Winter Games next February.

IPC President Sir Phillip Craven then spoke of how he is hoping for "the biggest and most exciting World Championships to date" to enable the Paralympic Movement to continue its momentum from London 2012.

"London 2012 gave birth to a whole host of new superstar athletes who lit up the Olympic Stadium each day in front of 80,000 spectators and millions of television viewers around the world," he said.

"We all left with memories that will last with us forever, and I am sure the same will happen here in Lyon.

"The rivalries that got us all talking at London 2012 and made front and back page news will be retold here, whilst I am sure some new stars and rivalries will emerge that will keep us gripped and entertained for years to come."

Competition will get underway tomorrow morning with the F12 men's shotput and will conclude next Sunday (July 28) with the marathon races.

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