It's the Paralympians turn to compete against the world during the 16th Summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo from August 24 through September 5.

These games will also be like no other thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic which limits attendance at competitions with over 4,000 athletes from 134 nations. A small number of students will be allowed to attend the games.

The parade of nations took place in an empty stadium with acrobats, a light show and a dance performance.

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Andrew Parsons addressed the Paralympians.

"You gave your all to be here. Blood, sweat and tears. Now is your moment to show the world your skill, your strength, your determination. If the world has ever labeled you, now is your time to be relabeled: champion, hero, friend, colleague, role model or just human," Parsons said.

The games are airing live across NBC's many broadcast platforms including USA and the Peacock streaming service. Because Japan is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time many events will air in the middle of the night here.

The Seacoast is represented by one Paralympian, Elizabeth Corso of Newmarket.

She is competing in the Women’s T13 1500m with the first heat on Friday, August  27.

The 2021 graduate of the Portsmouth Christian Academy in Dover will attend Lipscomb University in Nashville.

According to her Team USA bio Corso has been running since she was five years old and joined her school's track and cross country teams in sixth grade.

Corso ran varsity track and cross country for PCA and during her sophomore year, she was introduced to Para track and field. During the past year, she also took an interest in Nordic Skiing.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH

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