The Paralympic flame crossed Northern Ireland today ahead of the games, which begin in London on Wednesday.
As well as celebrations in Belfast, the flame will visit Cookstown, Ballymena, Derry, Newry, Carrickfergus, Strabane and Lisburn.
A ceremonial cauldron was lit on the grounds of Stormont.
Carál Ní Chuilín, Northern Ireland's Sports Minister, said the ceremony should be about the inspiration of the games.
The events will culminate with a lantern procession in Belfast and Agito, the Paralympic symbol, which features the colours of red, blue and green circling around a central point, will be unveiled at the City Hall.
Newry flame ambassador Oliver Murphy is the only surviving member of the Irish team that competed at the first Paralympic Games in Rome 1960.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Limerick in 2010 for his dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities.
