John Egbokhan
18 September 2008
The 2008 Paralympics Games ended yesterday amidst fanfare and spectacular fireworks display with Nigeria winning four gold medals, four silver medals and a bronze medals while China came tops, capping up a memorable sporting fiesta for the host nation.
As was at the 2004 Athens Games, where able-bodied athletes failed to do Nigeria proud, Special Sports athletes have once again in Beijing, saved face for Team Nigeria, who it would be recalled, had a disastrous showing at the Beijing Olympic Games.
Ruel Ishaku, Njideka Iyiazi and Ejike Lucy were the winners of Nigeria's four gold medals, with Njideka winning two, while Adesoji Adekunle, Victoria Nneji, Grace Anozie and Obioma Aligekwe won for themselves and country four silver medals while Patience Igbiti was the lone bronze medalists from Nigeria.
The Paralympics flame was extinguished over the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium after a lavish closing ceremony on Wednesday, ending a spectacular summer of sport in Beijing.
Countless red leaves symbolising respect for the athletes drifted from the stadium roof in the show to end the 12-day extrava-ganza, which followed the Olympic Games.
"These are the greatest Paralympic Games ever," said International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Philip Craven as he declared the Games closed.
China dominated the medals table here with 89 golds and 211 medals overall, enjoying particular success in athletics, swimming and table tennis.
Britain, which chased China hard in the early part of the Games, finished with 42 golds and 102 medals, ahead of the United States in third place with 36 golds and 99 medals.
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