Bird Nest at the Closing Ceremony of Beijing 2008
Paralympic Games, Photo: BOCOG

Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games: It started on September 6th, and it went on so quickly that on September 17th we found ourselves again in the Bird Nest for the Closing Ceremony.

As the IPC President Sir Phil Craven spoke during the Closing Ceremony: “These are the greatest Paralympic Games ever”. Everyone who was there and had the opportunity to live and experience the passion and emotion of the games, the true Spirit of the Paralympic Movement, left China astonished with the details, the organization, and the hospitality of China. The importance that the Chinese had with the soft lights that were all around the places, either in the Bird Nest, in the Water Cube or in the surrounding of Paralympic Village, contributed to create a great atmosphere. This same light will continue in our hearts until London 2012, where the athletes will meet again to share their sport excellence.

These Paralympic Games broke many records, not only in the arenas, but also in women participations, represented by 1380, totalizing 35% of the athletes. The Americas Region had for the first time 3 countries in the top 10 on the medal tally final ranking.  We had Colombia winning it’s first medal and Haiti participating in the games for the first time.

The letter sent to the future during the Closing Ceremony will certainly keep such outstanding participation of the countries from the Americas Region on going for the next four years.

We shall thank China for the magnificent event offered. Xiè Xie!!