The famous Maracana stadium was packed, with Paralympians seated across the field as the event got under way with a fireworks display.
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The International Paralympic Committee anthem, played by musicians Daniel Santiago, Pedro Martins and Mestrinho, marked the transition from Rio to Tokyo 2020.
Retiring Australian co-captain Kurt Fearnley took centre stage as his election to the International Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council was announced.
The 11 gold medal-winning sports – archery, athletics, boccia, cycling, canoeing, equestrian, rowing, swimming, table tennis, triathlon and wheelchair tennis – equals the record held by China from the 2008 Games in Beijing.
He hailed the victorious Paralympic team for making history in the games. The IPC cited Russia’s alleged failure to comply with the the organization’s anti-doping rules as the reason behind its decision.
“Although yesterday’s events do cast a dark shadow over these Games, I think Rio 2016 will be remembered as a successful Paralympics and Games which surprised many people”.
Jo Gi-seong became the first Korean swimmer to win three gold medals at a single Paralympics on Sunday when he won the men’s 50-m freestyle final, adding to his victories in the 100-m and 200-m freestyle finals.
She said: “We look forward to welcoming people from all over the country for a spectacular celebration of the achievements of our Olympic and Paralympic heroes and to share in an unforgettable day”.
“Mission accomplished”, said Carlos Nuzman, president of the Rio organising committee.
China topped the rankings by winning 107 gold, 81 silver and 51 bronze medals.
The 14-year-old Mpumalanga athlete stunned South Africa as he went for his first Silver on his 100m men’s Paralympics debut game.
The Rio Paralympic Games closed late Sunday, having defied expectations in more ways than one.
Both athletes received a solid gold medal. These include two golds, one silver and one bronze, stood in 43rd place in the medal table.
British Paralympic Association chief executive Tim Hollingsworth said the GB team’s performance in Rio was no fluke, but the figures still make very impressive reading.
Rio was Turkey’s sixth Paralympic outing.
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“I only originally expected just to get to Rio, let alone win medals, so to do this is the icing on the cake of an wonderful Games”.
