The record-breaking Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games have been named as the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) top moment of 2014.
Since 12 November, the IPC has been counting down its top 50 moments of the year and on Wednesday 31 December announced that Sochi 2014 was its number one.
The Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympics exceeded all expectations, attracting a record 316,200 spectators and a cumulative global TV audience of 2.1 billion in 55 countries. Nearly 550 athletes from a record 45 countries took part, with hosts Russia topping the medals table. Stand-out performers included Russia’s Roman Petushkov, who won a record six Nordic skiing golds, and Anna Schaffelhuber, the German sit skier who won five gold medals from five events.
“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.”
Of the top 50 moments, 12 were related to the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, including three which made the top five. A full list of the IPC’s Top 50 Moments of 2014 can be found here http://www.paralympic.org/top-50-moments-2014
