The Welsh Government has wished Welsh athletes representing ParalympicsGB the best of luck as the London 2012 Paralympic Games begin.
The opening ceremony marks the official start of the 14th Paralympic Games.
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “Wales can be immensely proud that a record 38 Welsh athletes have made it into the ParalympicsGB squad and I am sure all of the country will be united behind them as they go for gold.
“Our current generation of Paralympians hold huge potential. They have proved they are have what it takes to make it to the top of their field and will now be competing at the height of their sport in front of the world. I am sure they will do Wales proud and I wish them the best of luck.”
Sports Minister Huw Lewis said: “Our Welsh Paralympians have put in years of effort to make the grade for these Games and I have no doubt they will return home with medals.
“The fact we have 38 athletes in the squad, half of them first time Paralympians, shows just how strong disability sport in Wales currently is. It is testament to the clubs, coaches and support staff across the country who continue to promote and grow disability sports that we are building on our amazing track record in producing world class Paralympians.
“I am sure everyone in Wales will wish our athletes every success in London.”
The Welsh Assembly’s Presiding Officer Rosemary Butler AM has also wished our Paralympians well.
She said: “There is no doubt that the performances by our Welsh athletes at the recent London 2012 Olympics were inspirational.
“But the way our Paralympians confront their disabilities and perform to such a high standard takes inspiration to a new level.
“Wales had a very successful games last time round in Beijing and I’m sure with more athletes taking part than ever before, we can better our medal haul in London.
“I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all Assembly Members and staff, to wish our Welsh competitors good luck in their quest for gold.”