KALISPERA, HELLAS!
And so the 12th Paralympic Games have closed in an atmosphere of muted celebration.
The normally noisy and colourful closing ceremony was scaled back as a mark of respect for the seven Greek teenagers killed on the way to the Games yesterday when their school bus crashed into a lorry.
The President of the International Paralympic Committee, Phil Craven, paid tribute to them in his closing speech.
"Tonight should have been a night for celebration," he said.
"Millions of people around the world have experienced 11 days of exceptional Paralympic sport.
"This simple truth magnifies the tragedy that has befallen their families and friends. Tonight we mourn their loss and dedicate, to these young people, the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games."
But there was also celebration for the nearly 4,000 athletes who have competed in these Games. They've smashed records and shown the world what "disabled" people are really capable of.
I'll be heading home tomorrow after spending most of the Summer, on and off, in Athens.
It's not a city I've warmed to -- it's too rude and too polluted to ever fall in love with.
Then again, I'm sure Athens won't miss me either.
And so the 12th Paralympic Games have closed in an atmosphere of muted celebration.
The normally noisy and colourful closing ceremony was scaled back as a mark of respect for the seven Greek teenagers killed on the way to the Games yesterday when their school bus crashed into a lorry.
The President of the International Paralympic Committee, Phil Craven, paid tribute to them in his closing speech.
"Tonight should have been a night for celebration," he said.
"Millions of people around the world have experienced 11 days of exceptional Paralympic sport.
"This simple truth magnifies the tragedy that has befallen their families and friends. Tonight we mourn their loss and dedicate, to these young people, the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games."
But there was also celebration for the nearly 4,000 athletes who have competed in these Games. They've smashed records and shown the world what "disabled" people are really capable of.
I'll be heading home tomorrow after spending most of the Summer, on and off, in Athens.
It's not a city I've warmed to -- it's too rude and too polluted to ever fall in love with.
Then again, I'm sure Athens won't miss me either.
posted by Stuart at 20:35
3 Comments:
"And so the 12th Paralympic Games have closed in an atmosphere of muted celebration."
My goodness,it sounds so gloomy. What a sad ending.
The good thing is there is a flight to catch home. Have a good trip.
"Athens is not a city I've warmed to -- it's too rude and too polluted to ever fall in love with."
Too polluted? It sounds like some cities I know. Perhaps someone will be the first to invent a global air-purifier.
Although "the 12th Paralympic Games have closed in an atmosphere of muted celebration" the photo certainly portrays a beautiful atmosphere. Everyeye that looks at the photo will not forget Athens' Paralympic moments in time.
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