The 2014 Paralympic Winter Games kicked off in Sochi, Russia on Friday with an opening ceremony that didn't skimp on the pageantry we've now come to expect from the host country's over-the-top presentations -- dramatic lights, swarms of ballerinas, elaborate costumes and a giant floating ship. Oh, and President Vladimir Putin was there, too.
With 80 athletes, the U.S. strode into the stadium with the largest delegation of any country, followed closely behind by Russia's 67 athletes, who were last to enter Fisht Olympic Stadium. Despite the current geopolitical crisis happening in Crimea, Ukrainian athletes will participate in this year's games. Although the U.S. sent its athletes, it did not send a presidential delegation to Sochi due to the recent events between Russia and Ukraine.
At least a little bit of drama is already spilling over into these games. Ukraine sent more than 20 athletes to the games, but only one participated in the opening ceremony. Russia's team entered minutes later to the song "Goodbye America."