BEIJING -- Beijing hosted a fantastic Paralympic Games, said Chairman of the London 2012 Organizing Committee at the press conference held Monday here in Beijing.
"The Beijing Paralympic Games will be remembered for wonderful elite sport, superb organization, stunning venues and spectacular opening and closing ceremonies," said Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London 2012 Organizing Committee.
He extended his sincere thanks to Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (BOCOG), adding that London had learned vital and essential experiences and lessons from Beijing.
"London is proud to be the next summer Paralympic host city and we look forward to welcoming the world in 2012," he said.
He also noted that after Beijing Games, London 2012 organizers would carry on Beijing's work in terms of level of service to athletes, examine spectator experience, further develop the presentation of Paralympic sport and athletes, and build on the extensive volunteer programme.
He especially emphasized the importance of volunteers. "The difference between a good and a great games is the volunteers. Volunteers are the face of the Games, and we will take the volunteer programme extensively seriously."
The London organizers also confirmed that the journey to the London 2012 Games will continue to be told on a double decker bus in London's eight minute segment at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Paralympic Games on Wednesday.
The presentation would showcase the next generation of young performers, and the power of the Games to inspire change as reflected in the transformation of the bus from Olympic to Paralympic mode, said Bill Morris, director of Culture, Ceremonies and Education at London 2012.
"If the handover show during the Olympic Games represented the journey from London to Beijing, and the show tomorrow represents a journey to take Paralympics back to London," he said.
The London 2012 Paralympic Games will be slated for August 29 - September 9.
