Nearly 550 athletes from a record 45 countries took part, with hosts Russia topping the medals table with 80 medals, including 30 gold.

"Sochi 2014 broke all ticket and TV viewing records and the blueprint that was created in terms of accessibility in Sochi is now being rolled out across Russia," said IPC President Sir Philip Craven.

"The performances of the Para-athletes were mesmerising; they continue to astound not just myself with what they can achieve but millions of others around the world."

Despite the controversy of the Crimea crisis that stole many of the front page headlines, the Games provided much change for the inclusion of disabled people in Russian society, it is claimed by the IPC. 

New legislation was passed at the highest levels of Government, and the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee created a barrier-free infrastructure, ensuring that everything built for the Games was accessible for all.

Sochi 2014 provided much change for the inclusion of disabled people in Russian society, it has been claimed by the International Paralympic Committee ©Getty Images



"The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games have reinforced Russia's commitment to social advancement," said Dimitry Chernyshenko, the former Sochi 2014 President and chief executive.

"In preparation for the Games and Sochi's continued development into a world-class tourist destination, we set new standards for urban planning and development to improve the lives of people with a disability in Sochi and across the nation."

Of the top 50 moments the IPC has been counting down since November 12, 12 were related to Sochi 2014, including three which made the top five.

Second on the list was NBC broadcasting the gold medal match of the ice sledge hockey at Sochi 2014, while third went to the IPC's 25th anniversary.

In 2013 the NBC's historic broadcast deal which ensured the company would cover both Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 was number one on the list, with Italian hand-cyclist Alex Zanardi's success at London 2012 number one the previous year. 

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