In a triumph of international cooperation and goodwill, London 2012 united the world like never before with a total of 204 countries and territories attending Olympic and Paralympic Games – more than the United Nations.
'On behalf of London 2012, I would like to acknowledge the contributions made by millions of people across London, the United Kingdom and around the world to the Paralympic Games and the Olympic Games, especially the athletes and the volunteers,' Coe said.
'This was a unique time when sport seemed to rule the world, and people everywhere were transfixed by the joy of sport. The athletes performed at an awe-inspiring level and almost always with grace and sportsmanship whether they won or lost. We had a plethora of world records, and Olympic and Paralympic records that we could marvel at.
'Thanks to the athletes, young people know it is possible to triumph over adversity, to challenge and then change their circumstances and to achieve great things.'
'Games for everyone'
Coe praised the imagination, creativity, and daring of Paralympic athletes and sporting performances in his Closing Ceremony address this evening., saying: 'Our minds were opened to what people can do, and to what can be achieved by sheer talent and determination.
'These were Games for everyone – Games for people of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds that connected millions of young people with sport and education in communities and cities around the world.'
'Extraordinary atmosphere'
Coe also paid thanks to the generosity of the British people and London 2012 spectators, whose passion for sport filled the venues with atmosphere, colour, excitement and support for all competing athletes and teams rarely experienced at international sporting events before.
'We knew the British people would embrace the Games. To see a packed stadium in the morning sessions of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games was unprecedented and created an extraordinary atmosphere in the venues right through the whole Games.'
