(ATR) International Paralympic Committee communications director Craig Spence says yesterday in the Paralympic Park provided a better atmosphere than London 2012.
A record 170,000 tickets were sold for the first Saturday in the Park, more tickets that were sold during any day during the Olympics. Spectators packed the park, providing an special atmosphere, astounding organizers.
"Yesterday the gold medal for the best performance of the day goes to the Cariocas," Spence said. "The atmosphere in every single venue was sensational. Coming into these Games everyone said ‘what about London’, but yesterday for me surpassed London."
Organizers expected 167,000 guests in the park but received more than they bargained for.
"Yesterday was a real highlight for me," says Spence. "Rather than going to see sport I walked around the park. The atmosphere was amazing… we said these are the people’s Games and yesterday really showed that."
"This is the people of Rio taking ownership of these Games," he added. "The crowd supports every athlete of every nation. We are seeing support for all athletes that maybe we didn’t see during the Olympics."
Rio 2016 spokesperson Mario Andrada says organizers are "very proud" of all of the volunteers and service team members that helped make the day a success.
Andrada admits that the crowd did cause some longer than expected lines at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Center. He added Rio 2016 has learned its lesson and will provided more staffing.
Kenyan Powerlifter Reprimanded
Gabriel Wanjiku now has a mark on his doping record for failing an out of competition test in July.
His urine sample contained the prohibited substance terbutaline but the IPC found it was the result from a single dose of cough medicine taken by Wanjiku.
The Kenyan powerlifter will only receive a reprimand and will not be disqualified or suspended by the IPC. Wanjiku has three unsuccessful lifts at the Rio Paralympics.
Written by Kevin Nutley in Rio de Janeiro.
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