2000 Summer Paralympics
The 2000 Paralympic Games were held in Sydney, Australia, from 18 to 29 October. The eleventh Summer Paralympic Games, an estimated 3800 athletes took part in the Sydney programme. They commenced with the opening ceremony on 18 October 2000. It was followed by the 11 days of fierce international competition and was the second largest sporting event ever held in Australia.
The mascot for the 2000 Paralympics was "Lizzie" the Frill-necked Lizard.
Australian artist Jeffrey St. John sang "Advance Australia Fair" and "The Challenge" at the Opening Ceremony.
Kylie Minogue sang "Waltzing Matilda" and "Celebration" at the Opening Ceremony.
Other performers included Nathan Cavaleri, Melissa Ippolito, Bryan Brown, Taxiride, Billy Thorpe, Jack Thompson, Renee Geyer, Tina Harris and Christine Anu.
Australian country artist Graeme Connors sang his song 'Being Here', which was specially written for the event.
The Australian group, The Seekers, sang their hit song "The Carnival Is Over" as the finale to the Closing Ceremony. Judith Durham, who had a broken hip, sang from a wheelchair.
Read more about 2000 Summer Paralympics: Torch Relay, Sports, Games Highlights, Medal Count, Participating Delegations, Views
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