Closing Ceremony performances express best wishes for people with disabilities

(BEIJING, September 17) -- The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games concluded at the National Stadium on Wednesday, September 17. With artistic performances of the Closing Ceremony divided into six distinct chapters -- Red Leaves of Fragrant Hill, Sowing, Watering, Harvest, Celebration and Send it to the Future – a logical thread was implied that conveyed sincere wishes from the Chinese people for people living with disabilities: strive to be stronger and harvest happiness.

Red Leaves of Fragrant Hill

600,000 red leaves from Fragrant Hill, a famous scenic spot in Beijing, floated down, landing on the track and on athletes' shoulders, representing the Chinese people's sincere wishes to friends from all around the world.

Sowing

Performers appeared as if they were planting the seeds of brightness in the universe, showing that athletes with disabilities are sowing the seeds of the Paralympic Games in the spirit of striving for success.

Watering

A beautiful "river," made up of over 100 young women, flowed onto the performance area to water the seeds of the dream, reflecting the harmony between people and nature.

Harvest

The delight of the harvest is symbolized through pastoral music and dancing. This moving scene implied that people with disabilities fully enjoy the harmony between man and nature.

Celebration

Logically, after a harvest comes a celebration. With lively music to urge them on, young actors performed acrobatics and danced to show that everyone can take pleasure in happiness through sports.

Send it to the Future

As all good things must come to an end, so too, must the Beijing 2008 Games. Athletes and performers gathered under the Paralympic flag to complete a huge, colorful "Letter to the Future" together.

As the actors did not exit after finishing their respective performances, more than 2,000 people, performers and athletes alike, joined together in writing the final scene of unity, harmony and sharing.