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Torino 2006 Paralympics Come to a Close
The Torino 2006 Paralympics came to a close on Sunday, March 20, 2006 after a week of inspirational performances.
Patti Smith and 300 other performers were part of a show in Torino, Italy's Piazza Castello. The theme of the show was the transition between winter and spring. The Italians continued their eclectic selection of music at the Olympics with opera mixed in with songs from Mary Poppins.
Athletes from 39 countries participated in the Torino 2006 Paralympic Games. Russian athletes turned in the most winning performances claiming a total of 33 medals followed by Ukraine with 25 medals and Germany with 19 medals.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers presented the Canadian flag. The flag was raised as the national anthem was played and pictures of Canadian scenery were shown on a large screen. The next winter Paralympic Games will be held in Vancouver, Canada in 2010. Jim Byrnes, a Vancouver singer performed "Of Whom Will I be Afraid". Mr. Byrnes lost his legs in a car accident.
As he did at the Torino 2006 Olympics closing ceremony, Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan received the Paralympic flag in a holder on his wheelchair. Mayor Sullivan is a quadriplegic as the result of a ski accident.
Sir Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee closed the Torino 2006 Paralympics by saying "I call upon Paralympic athletes all over the world to meet again in Vancouver, Canada, in four years time, where once again you will inspire and excite the world with your sporting excellence".
Posted by Jackie on March 20, 2006
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