The Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games came to a end with a spectacular Closing Ceremony ©Toronto 2015

Jose Luis Campo, President of the Americas Paralympic Committee, hailed the Parapan American Games as the "best ever" at the event's Closing Ceremony in Toronto's Nathan Philips Square.

The Argentinian was full of praise for Toronto 2015 and the impact the Games have had on Canada.

"Thank you to the Toronto 2015 Organising Committee led by Saad Rafi," he said.

"You have raised the bar for future organisers and I have to say these have been the best Parapan American Games ever.

"Together with the City of Toronto, Government of Ontario and Government of Canada, you have done an outstanding job in growing awareness of Para-sport in this country."

The last day of action saw the host nation lose 62-39 to the United States in the men's wheelchair basketball final.

The US sprung into an early lead and never looked back thanks in part to some sharp shooting by their veterans.

The bronze medal went to Argentina after they overcame South American rivals Brazil, 72-47.

Roles were reversed in the football seven-a-side gold medal match however as Brazil beat Argentina 3-1 courtesy of goals from Jose Monteiro Guimaraes, Evandro De Oliveira Gomes and Maycon Ferreira De Almeida.

Venezuela claimed the bronze medal after a 2-1 victory against Canada.

There was also a men's goalball gold medal for Brazil, winning 10-4 against the US in the final, while Canada claimed bronze with a 13-3 triumph against Argentina.

Canada had to settle for silver in the men's wheelchair basketball competition after losing to the United States in the final
Canada had to settle for silver in the men's wheelchair basketball competition after losing to America in the final ©Canadian Paralympic Committee

A total of 10 world records were broken across 15 sports during the eight days of competition, as well as 70 Americas and 239 Games records.

"Over the last eight days more than 1,600 incredible Para-athletes have redefined how we look at sport," added Campo.

"You have entertained us with your high level performances and shown that life is about maximising ability and not perceived disability.

"You have opened our eyes, transforming impossibility into a life full of possibility.

"You have shown that together we are one.

"Your record breaking performances speak for themselves.

"You are getting faster, stronger and more agile by the day.

"Your future is extremely bright and all roads now lead to Rio 2016 and South America’s first Paralympic Games."

Hosts Canada enjoyed their best Parapan Games to finish second with 168 medals, including 50 golds, but it was Brazil who led the way, picking up 257 medals, including 109 golds.

The Games ended with 18 of the 28 participating countries winning at least one medal.

The Closing Ceremony included performances from Grammy award-winner Wyclef Jean, as well as country music singer-songwriter Meghan Patrick and the Franco-Ontarian urban folk band Le Group Swing.

Campo joined Toronto Mayor John Tory and Lima Mayor Luis Castañeda Lossio to formally mark the end of the Games with the traditional handover of the Parapan American flag.

Lima is set to host the next edition of the Pan American and Parapan American Games in 2019.


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