Local athletes take part in the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Paralympics

Graeme Murray (left), Adam Dixon (middle), and Brad Bowden (right) getting ready for the Opening Ceremony at the Winter Paralympics in Sochi. (Courtesy: Keegan Goodrich of Hockey Canada)

Five local athletes took part in the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Paralympics in Sochi on Friday.

A lavish ceremony based on the mythical firebird of Russian folklore marked the start of the 11th Winter Paralympics, which features 547 athletes from 45 countries. It's the first time the event has been held in Russia and comes less than two weeks since the close of the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Among the Canadian athletes were Mike Ideson, Chris Williamson, Brad Bowden, Adam Dixon and Graeme Murrray.

Gravenhurst’s Graeme Murray, Midland’s Adam Dixon, and Barrie’s Brad Bowden will take part in sledge hockey at  the games.

Chris Williamson is from is a skier from Markham and Mike Ideson is a wheelchair curler from Parry Sound.

With files from Canadian Press