THE 15th edition of the Paralympic Games, Rio 2016 will come to a close later tonight at the magnificent Maracana Stadium, Brazil.
The Rio 2016 Paralympics which began on September 7 saw no fewer than 4,300 physically-challenged athletes from 161 countries, including Nigeria display ability in disability in 22 sports.
At tonight’s closing ceremony, President of the Brazilian Olympic Committee – Carlos Arthur Nuzman – and Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, are expected to hand over the Paralympic flag to 2020 hosts, Japan.
On hand to receive the flags on behalf of the Japanese would be Shinzo Abe, the Japanese prime minister.
Defending champion, China, at press time remained unchallenged on the medals table with 98 gold, 76 silver and 49 bronze medals as the Great Britain is next with 60 gold, 34 silver and 38 bronze medals, while Ukraine places third with 38 gold, 33 silver and 36 bronze medals.
The hosts are eighth on the table with 12 gold, 26 silver and 24 bronze medals.
Meanwhile, Flora Ugwunna, who won gold medal in the women’s javelin event completed Nigeria’s outing at the Rio Paralympics on Saturday, as she finished sixth in the women’s discus with a throw of 19.03metres.
Nigeria recorded its best performance ever since its debut at the ’92 Barcelona Paralympics having amassed eight gold, two silver and two bronze medals to place 13th position in the world and the best team on the continent.
Tunisia emerges Africa’s second best with six gold, six silver and six bronze medals and placed 20th position in the world, while South Africa with six gold, five silver and four bronze medals occupies the 22nd position on the table and Africa’s third best by press time.
Nigeria, it will be recalled, won six gold, five silver and two bronze medals at the London 2012 Paralympics, while its best performance before Rio 2016 was at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics where it finished with seven gold, one silver and five bronze medals.
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