Chinese artists perform during the opening ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games at the National Stadium in the Chinese capital. China once again dazzled the world with a glittering ceremony as the Paralympics opened Saturday in the iconic "Bird's Nest" National Stadium with the message that all life has value and dignity. [AFP]

In the US, the Beijing Paralympics opening ceremony was webcast live on UniversalSports.com, the first time the Paralympics were webcast live in the country.

And the hosts of the webcast praised the ceremony, calling it "magical and up to expectations in every way possible."

They said that China "is truly committed to making an outstanding game for the Paralympians" and the Chinese "have put out an extraordinary effort."

The British Broadcasting Corporation, or BBC, also ran a live broadcast of the opening ceremony.

Calling it "impressive" and "stunning," the BBC said the discipline and unison demonstrated by the young performers "shows the best of young Chinese people", which will definitely "inspire" young spectators.