Rio Paralympic Games comes to an end

Australian Paralympics gold medallist Curtis McGrath thought his team-mates were blowing him off, but he was about to be given one of the Games' highest honours.

Source: skynewsarabia

Rio de Janeiro has closed the first Paralympics on South American soil in a blaze of fireworks and Samba for what will be remembered as the people's Games.

The closing ceremony took place at Rio's famed Maracana stadium on Monday (AEST), with festivities highlighted by a giant conga-line of athletes snaking its way around to the cheers of thousands of fans, who danced in the stands to Brazilian funk music.

Retiring Australian co-captain Kurt Fearnley took centre stage as his election to the International Paralympic Committee Athletes' Council was announced.