Rio winds down the party as Paralympics come to a close

  • Rio 2016
Fireworks light up the Maracana. Credit: PA

Double gold medalist and flag bearer Kadeena Cox led ParalympicsGB out for the closing ceremony of the Rio Games.

Kadeena Cox carrying the Union Jack flag during the closing ceremony. Credit: PA

Cox, the first British Paralympian to win medals in two sports since 1988 - Gold in cycling in the women's C4-5 time trial and gold in athletics in the women's T38 400m - carried out the Union Jack flag on the eleventh day of the games.

The countdown to the opening ceremony gets underway. Credit: PA
Fireworks at the Maracana. Credit: PA

ParalympicsGB came second in the medal table with 147 medals, 64 of which were gold, 39 silver, and 44 bronze.

Athletes carry flags during the closing ceremony. Credit: PA

Spectators were dazzled as fireworks lit up the Maracana as the games were brought to a close and the Paralympic flag was passed on to the Mayor of Tokyo.

The Mayor of Rio de Janeiro Eduardo Paes (left) applauds as President of the IPC Sir Philip Craven (centre) hands the Paralympic flag to the Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike. Credit: PA

Along with four other athletes, Dame Sarah Storey - Britain's most decorated female Paralympian - was presented on stage as a new member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes Council after being elected to the position.

Dame Sarah Storey (centre) is presented as a new member of the IPC Athletes Council along with four other athletes during the closing ceremony. Credit: PA

Rio de Janeiro is famous for its carnivals, and while the closing ceremony was in keeping with the party vibe, the stadium fell silent when a minute's silence was held for Bahman Golbarnezhad, the Iranian cyclist who died during the Games.

Musician Johnatha Bastos plays the guitar with his feet. Credit: PA
Soldiers salute as they raise the Brazilian flag during the closing ceremony. Credit: PA
The Paralympic flag is lowered by soldiers. Credit: PA