Paralympic Games Ceremony is a successful finale to London 2012

The Paralympic Games closing ceremony on Sunday saw big artists end the 2012 summer of sporting events...

17:24 10 September 2012

The Games finally came to a close with a stunning show where artists such as Coldplay and Rihanna rocked a crowd of 80,000 at the Paralympics closing ceremony on Sunday.

 

After a summer of enthralling sports, where heart-breaking stories were shared and blood, sweat and tears paid off for many athletes, the Olympics and Paralympics London 2012 is over.

 

The hand-over to Rio de Janeiro, the hosts for the 2016 Games, saw a celebration of the Paralympics. A stunning light show during Coldplay’s set and Rihanna’s hit songs warmed the audience to the end.

 

After 11 days of Paralympic games, the show, which is being called the ‘festival of fire’ and was created by artistic director Kim Gavin, honoured British traditions, and had acrobats and dancers moving in time to the music.

 

Coldplay’s set reflected the four seasons, and tributes were made to the likes of the forces and the organisers, where unlike the other games ceremonies, the 4,200 athletes were seated central to the action.

 

Lord Coe, the organising committee chairman, said the UK would "never think of sport the same way and we will never think of disability the same way”, as quoted by the BBC.

 

"The Paralympians have lifted the cloud of limitation."

 

He added: "Finally, there are some famous words you can find stamped on the bottom of a product. Words, that when you read them, you know mean high quality, mean skill, mean creativity.”

 

"We have stamped those words on the Olympic and Paralympic games of London 2012,” he said.

 

"London 2012. Made in Britain."

 

Sir Philip Craven, The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president, remarked that the games will have a long-term impact on people.

 

A touching moment was when Captain Luke Sinnott, who lost his legs due to an IED bomb in Afghanistan, climbed a flagpole to display the Union Jack flag.

 

It was Paralympians Ellie Simmonds and Jonnie Peacock who extinguished the Paralympic flame, with each country taking home one of the 200 copper petals that made up the cauldron.

 

Team GB finished the Paralympics in third placing with a smashing 120 medals, which is 17 more than they aimed for, including a staggering 34 golds. China stayed at the top spot with 231 medals overall, and Russia came in second.

 

As a last nod to the games on Monday 800 Team GB athletes will take part in a victory parade throughout London.