IPC chief: "These are greatest Paralympic Games ever"

2008-09-17 13:11:54 GMT2008-09-17 21:11:54 (Beijing Time) Xinhua English

Sir Philip Craven, president of International Paralympic Committee addresses the closing ceremony of Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2008. The closing ceremony kicked off at 8 p.m. sharp on Wednesday.(Xinhua/Li Ga)

Sir Philip Craven, president of International Paralympic Committee pockets a piece of red leaf prior to his speech on the closing ceremony of Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2008. The closing ceremony kicked off at 8 p.m. sharp on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Ga)

BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Paralympic Games are "the greatest Paralympic Games ever," said International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Philip Craven at the Games' closing ceremony staged in the National Stadium in northern Beijing on Wednesday night.

Craven said in his closing speech that "what a great Paralympic Games this has been!

"An ethereal opening ceremony, staggering athletic performances in perfect stadia, the best ever Paralympic Villages, amazing high definition television coverage, a never ending and self generating supply of passion and emotion, superb organization, wonderful volunteers, millions of new Paralympic sports aficionados both here in China and around the world."

He said "it is all about spirit. The Paralympic spirit that is ever bright in our movement, found here in China, a kindred spirit. It reached out to you, you embraced it and it is now cherished in your hearts.

"Now these spirits are united, "One World", "One Dream" and "One People" has become a reality."

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