INTERNATIONAL: The Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics ended on Sunday (March 13) with a closing ceremony at the National Stadium in the Chinese capital that carried the message of ‘love’ after a Game that began with political chaos.

Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred from competing by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on the eve of the Games, following threats of boycotts by other teams over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Once the Games started though, Ukraine shone, ending their campaign second on the medals table with a total of 29, 11 of which were gold.

Hosts China topped the medal standings with 18 golds in their overall tally of 61, with Canada’s eight golds seeing them finish third.

PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE, ANDREW PARSONS, SAYING:

“Differences here did not divide us, they united us together for a shared future. Humankind hopes to live in a world where dialogue prevails. Our movement, the Paralympic movement, hopes world leaders be inspired by the actions of Paralympians. Finally, the time has come for me to declare the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games closed. I call upon Paralympic athletes all over the world to meet again in Milano and Cortina in Italy in four years’ time, where once again, you will inspire and excite the world with your sporting excellence.”