The 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games came to an end yesterday (Sept 17th) with a festive closing ceremony celebrating the successful conclusion of the games as well as the stunning performances by the athletes. Chinese President Hu Jintao along with world leaders from over 50 countries watched the ceremony. The Chinese Paralympic delegation topped the medal list in terms of gold and the total medals, with 89 gold, 70 silver and 52 bronze medals.

The games began with a firework display and the sound of a guzheng, a traditional Chinese musical instrument.

Liu Qi, president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games (BOCOG):

"These Paralympic Games are a grand event embodying the concepts of 'Transcendence, Integration and Equality.' More than 4,000 Paralympic athletes from 147 countries and regions have been competing to offer their very best and to transcend themselves. They have accomplished remarkable achievements by breaking 279 world records and 339 Paralympic records. They have shown their positive attitude toward life, such as self-respect, self-confidence, self-improvement and self-reliance. They have sung a hymn to humanity by displaying their sporting excellence. "

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Philip Craven announced the closing of the games.

Surrounded by the 126 deaf-mute children, a deaf little girl communicated with the sacred flame in sign language, and after 12 days of shinning in the National Stadium in north Beijing, the flame of the Beijing 2008 Paralympics was doused (Sept 18th), and the Paralympic flag was passed to London, host city of the 2012 Olympic Games.