CRI听力：Beijing Paralympics End with A Spectacular Closing Ceremony

The eyes of the world are once again on the "Bird's Nest" Stadium as Beijing staged a spectacular closing ceremony Wednesday evening to signal the end of the 13th Paralympics Games.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, President of the International Paralympic Committee Philip Craven, President of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge and distinguished guests from some 20 countries attended the closing ceremony.(Www.hXen.com)

Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games, made a speech at the closing ceremony. He said the Paralympic Games have been a celebration of the disabled. The Paralympians have shared the joy of success and the pleasure of participation through their hard work.

"Inspired by the Paralympic Games, more than 300,000 people with disabilities in Beijing further integrated themselves into society, experiencing not only the charm of the Games but also the enthusiasm of the society… this Paralympic Games has been a great event to arouse public interest and to promote the welfare of people with disabilities."

The president of the International Paralympic Committee Philip Craven said in his speech that these Games are the greatest in the history of the Paralympic movement.

"There are the greatest Paralympic Games ever. It is all about spirit. The Paralympic spirit that is ever bright in our movement, found here in China, a kindred spirit. It reached out to you, you embraced it and it is now cherished in your hearts. Now these spirits are united, "One World" "One Dream" and "One People" has become a reality."

He called for all the athletes, coaches and officials to take the sporting spirit from the Games home, encouraging new athletes, making new friends and inspiring them to light the flame in their hearts.

The athletes' parade took place more than half an hour ahead of the ceremony's formal start, an arrangement quite different from the previous Games.

As the host city for the 2012 Paralympic Games, London also staged an 8-minute show during the ceremony to showcase London as a young, vibrant city.