Paralympics closing ceremony scaled back after deadly bus crash

The Associated Press

Last Updated: September 28, 2004, 03:25:56 PM PDT

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Six weeks of sporting celebration that began with the Summer Olympics ended on a somber note Tuesday when the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games was cut back because of a deadly school bus crash.
Seven teenagers died in northern Greece on Monday and 30 other passengers were injured when a bus taking students to watch the Paralympics crashed into an oncoming truck.

"Tonight should have been a night for only celebration," said Phil Craven, head of the International Paralympic Committee. "Millions of people around the world have experienced 11 days of exceptional Paralympic sport."

A minute of silence was observed for the crash victims, while the Greek and Paralympic flags were at half-staff. Schools will be closed around Greece on Wednesday in a national day of mourning.

Athens organizers also canceled the festive segment of the ceremony, including a firework display, the release of balloons and a 30-minute concert.

Tuesday's ceremony ended sporting events and festivities at the Olympic Stadium that began Aug. 13 with the Athens Games' lavish opening ceremony.

Spectators clapped in unison as athletes - many in wheelchairs - filed into the stadium. Chinese athletes held up a red banner that read: "See you in Beijing 2008."

China dominated the medals at the Paralympics, winning 63 gold medals. That was nearly twice as many as its closest rival, Britain, which won 35 golds.

A group of disabled Chinese musicians performed and dancers carried lanterns onto the field before the Paralympic flag was lowered and the flame extinguished.

"You raised your sports to a new level," Craven said. "Take the spirit of Athens with you and inspire young athletes all over the world."