Parsons spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the continental multi-sport event where he heaped praise on the organisers of the inaugural edition.

Rotterdam is playing host to the event where approximately 1,500 athletes from 45 countries will bid to become European champions with an eye on sealing their place at next year’s Paralympics.

Organisers hope the event will feature every four years and be held in the year preceding the Paralympics - an ambition echoed by Parsons.

"Leaving a legacy is important," said Parsons.

"How amazing would it be if this event becomes a regular part of the European sports calendar, in 2027, 2031 and beyond.

"Congratulations to the organisers of the European Para Championships for your effort in creating a fantastic, new Para sport event and I hope it will inspire other cities to host these Games in years to come.

"What you are doing here is important.

"You have not seen limitations and dared to dream big.

"You are strengthening the Paralympic Movement by making new connections and giving knowledge in Para sport.

"This Championships will have a positive impact on Para sport and communities across Europe."

The Opening Ceremony was staged at the Rotterdam Ahoy where much of the sport is set to take place from tomorrow until August 20 when the event is due to close.

"This is the beginning" was the message at the start of what was a brilliant show to mark the official launch of the EPC.

A spectacular LED stage floor captivated spectators as it continually changed over the course of the one-and-a-half-hour ceremony.

While there was no traditional Parade of Nations, all 10 sports were instead presented in superb fashion.

Each sport was illustrated in a different way thanks to the creativity of the LED floor, brilliant strobe lighting and an array of performances from Dutch acts.

Among the stars on display was Dutch singer Davina Michelle who sang the national anthem before returning to the stage to perform her song "Hold On".

Viktoria Modesta, a British singer-songwriter who had her damaged leg amputated at the age of 20, also starred with her hit track Prototype.

The EPC received a royal seal of a approval with a video message from Princess Margriet of The Netherlands.

Princess Margriet declared the 1980 Paralympic Games officially open and reflected on the staging of the event after Arnhem stepped in to play host after the Soviet Union withdrew.

"I am proud of the guiding role we have made in the Para sport community," she said.

There were also speeches from EPC tournament director Jeroen Straathof and Dutch Sports Minister Conny Helder.

"I am really proud to be part of the European Para Championships family," said Straathof.

"Over the past months and even in the last few days and hours, the team challenged themselves.

"They created a remarkable movement to develop this event.

"We are building on the legacy on the Paralympic Movement, not only on the field of play but in Dutch society.

"We want to create more awareness for people that are handicapped to do sport.

"We think the one way of doing this is by bringing it to the people like we do in the city centre."

Helder added: "The first win is already behind us.

"The fact that we are standing here at the first edition of the European Para Championships is the greatest honour.

"With so many people, so many countries and so many different Para sports all hosted in the wonderful city of Rotterdam, the eyes of Europe are on you.

"Sport is crucial to an equal and inclusive society and sport must be accessible for everyone and that’s not always the case so we still have a long way to go."

Helder was joined by Parsons and Straathof on stage at the end of the ceremony where they pressed a button to mark the start of the EPC.