Greatest Paralympics ever says Sir Philip Craven
9:07am Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News
PROUD Boltonian and president of the International Paralympic Committee, Sir Philip Craven, has declared the Games “the greatest Paralympics ever”.
The former Bolton School old boy, who is a five-time Paralympian in wheelchair basketball and swimming, praised the thousands of volunteers and athletes who have made the Paralympic Games a huge success.
Sir Philip, in a speech to the crowds at the Olympic Stadium, said: “These have been quite simply amazing Paralympic Games. These were not just London’s Games, they are for the entire United Kingdom.
“This country has enjoyed a real feel-good factor like never before.
“The biggest cheer for London 2012 should be reserved as we say ‘thank you’ to the thousands of Gamesmakers.
“Let us now thank another group of people who went beyond the call of duty — the British Armed Forces and emergency services.
“These Paralympic Games will live on for an eternity.”
The closing ceremony, billed as the Festival of the Flame, lived up to its name as flame-throwers, blazing torches and a gigantic heart of fire lit up the Olympic Stadium as Coldplay wowed the crowds.
Legless war hero Captain Luke Sinnott hauled himself up a flagpole to proudly fly the Union flag.
Sir Philip, who grew up in Farnworth, was just 16 years old when he fell 50ft down Horrocks Fold Quarry while climbing with friends and was paralysed from the waist down.
