International Paralympic Committee head says athletes 'pushed boundaries of human endeavor' at PyeongChang

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea, March 18 (Yonhap) -- International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons on Sunday hailed athletes at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics for performances that "pushed the boundaries of human endeavor."

Parsons said Sunday's closing ceremony at PyeongChang Olympic Stadium was "a celebration that if you dare to dream, you must do your best to fulfill it." He then paid tribute to the late Stephen Hawking, who passed away last Wednesday after battling motor neurone disease to become one of the world's most respected scientists.

"While Hawking tested the limits of his imagination, Paralympians, you have once again pushed the boundaries of human endeavor," Parsons said. "Your logic-defying performances have focused the world not on what holds you back, but on what motivates you and pushes you forward."

Parsons said Hawking was an "inspiration to us all" and that the Paralympic athletes also inspired those watching the competition with their athletic prowess.

"You have shown that with a strong mind and even stronger heart, you can achieve incredible feats," he said. "Ultimately, you have rewritten the theory of everything and given new purpose to possibility. Every generation gets a chance to change the world. Proud Paralympians, this is your time to be role models and catalysts for a more inclusive society."

jeeho@yna.co.kr
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