The ensemble took part in the solemn ceremony of honoring the Russian Paralympic team on Red Square

The XVI Summer Paralympic Games 2020 have come to an end – two weeks of sports competitions have passed, which were closely followed by the entire world. The worthy performance of the Russian Paralympic team once again proved the strength of spirit of Russian athletes, their determination and unyielding will to win. Today, on September 6, 2021, a solemn ceremony of honoring Paralympic athletes was held on Red Square in the capital. Thousands of fans gathered in front of the stage – the buses arriving from the airport with the athletes were greeted with applause.

The opening ceremony left an unforgettable impression when Valeria Shabalina, a multiple world and European champion, world record holder, and three-time champion of the 2020 Paralympic Games, raised the national flag of the Russian Federation. Both the Paralympic athletes and the fans enthusiastically sang the Russian national anthem that accompanied the raising of the flag, which was performed by the vocal group of the Domisolka Children's Musical Theater.

The champions and medalists of the Paralympic Summer Games in Tokyo were welcomed by Igor Levitin, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Russian Olympic Athletes Support Fund; Oleg Matytsin, Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation; and Veronika Skvortsova, Head of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency.

Speaking to the audience, Pavel Rozhkov, Chairman of the Executive Committee, First Vice-President of the Russian Paralympic Committee, and Head of the Russian Paralympic Committee's Office, highlighted Russia's outstanding achievements at various Paralympic Games.

"We are proud of the names of those who have contributed to the history of Russian sports. And we believe in those who are just beginning their journey to the sports Olympus. Paralympic athletes are a role model and inspiration for the young generation of our country. They are superior to any fictional superheroes," said Pavel Rozhkov, concluding his speech.

The words of gratitude were addressed to the coaches, doctors, masseurs, psychologists, and all those who provided invaluable assistance in the preparation and successful performance of the Russian Paralympic team.

The festive concert of honoring the heroes of sports opened with a performance by the People's Artist of Russia Oleg Gazmanov, who sang his song "Forward, Russia!" accompanied by the choir of the Academic Ensemble of Songs and Dances of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation, led by the Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, People's Artist of Russia, Major General Viktor Eliseev. This patriotic song is traditionally performed at all festive events dedicated to significant events in the country's life and has long gained popularity among the audience.

The concert was also attended by Honored Artist of Russia Diana Gurtskaya and the Turetsky Choir. The ceremony was hosted by Olga Bogoslovskaya and Dmitry Shchugorev.

The event was broadcast live by Russia 24 TV channel.