Hu Jintao welcomes Spain's Infanta Elena

The Paralympic Games began Sunday in Beijing, a day after China staged a lavish opening ceremony for an event it sees as another chance to cement its role as a global player to an international audience.

Thousands of cheerleaders and dancers in puffy, rainbow-colored suits performed a dance routine in the center of the field at the National Stadium on Saturday before athletes from 148 countries were introduced. The crowd cheered and waved flags as China's Communist Party leaders and foreign dignitaries looked on.

Earlier Saturday, they shook hands and posed for photos with Chinese President Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the People, the seat of China's legislature in the heart of Beijing. Hu gave a brief speech and toasted the games. "Caring for the disabled is an important symbol for social civilization and progress", Hu said before raising his glass.

Spain’s Infanta Elena was one of the many special guests at the luncheon, along with Princess Margriet of the Netherlands. © GPD AP