Sport – China

Paralympics wrap-up in Beijing

Article published on the 2008-09-17 Latest update 2008-09-17 16:04 TU

Philip Craven (R) hands over the IPC's flag to the mayor of London Boris Johnson.
(Photo: Reuters)

After the Olympics wrapped up in late August, a much less publicised event began: the Paralympics. The games extinguished its flame in the Bird’s Nest stadium in Beijing Wednesday, capping off a widely-praised 12-day event. Fireworks, music and elaborate dances marked an event that Chinese President Hu Jintao said would improve the plight of China's disabled.

Red maple leaves, meant to symbolise respect for the athletes, showered down on spectators from the stadium roof at the closing ceremony.

These Paralympics were the “greatest ever” according to International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Philip Craven.

China dominated the medal table with 89 golds and 211 medals overall, followed by Britain and the United States.

Compared to previous editions, the Games drew huge crowds to watch over 4,000 athletes from 150 countries compete.

Highlights were Canada’s wheelchair racer Chantal Petitclerc, South Africa’s swimmer Natalie du Toit and Australian swimmer Matthew Cowdrey, each of whom won five gold medals.

South African sprinter Oscar “Blade Runner” Pistorius also grabbed headlines with golds in the 100, 200 and 400 metres.

London’s mayor Boris Johnson accepted the flag of the IPC at Wednesday’s ceremony, as his city will follow Beijing to host both the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012.