Medals Ceremonies and Closing of Paralympic Games

PyeongChang, Republic of Korea
17 March, 2018

Passion Crew members applaud para-athletes during evening Medals Ceremonies and rehearse for Closing Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Paralympics. Shh, we cannot share the secrets about tonight's performances, but you may watch it LIVE

We met Yoshihiro Nitta, Japan's Gold medal skiier in Olympic Park when he showed us his medal and posed for photos. We felt in awe marching by twos into Olympic Stadium carrying the flags of Nations participating in the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. Dancers surrounded the stage welcoming each flag bearer.

Japan's Yoshihiro Nitta won gold in the standing category of the
cross-country 10-kilometer classical skiing

A large "hometown" crowd gathered to celebrate the victory of Eui Hyun Sin, who won the first
Gold medal for South Korea during a Winter Paralympics. He finished the Men's sitting 7.5km in the lead position. 

One final photo with Sohoorang and Bandabi

Jake Adicoff and guide Sawyer Kesselheim earn Silver Medals for Men's 10km Classic
Cross-Country Skiing, Visually Impaired

We prepare to enter Olympic Stadium as flag bearers for dress rehearsal
of Closing Ceremony

Korean dance and drum corps awaits entry to Olympic Stadium
for dress rehearsal

Hard-working Passion Crew volunteers inside Olympic Stadium can handle any assignment!

Cross Country Skiing in Alpensia

I had the privilege of attending Cross-Country Skiing, Men's 15km seated and Women's 12km seated on Sunday, March 11 at Alpensia Biathalon Centre. This sporting event was thrilling to watch as skiiers strived for excellence, changing position with best times. According to the International Paralympic Committee, "competitions are open to athletes with a physical impairment and blindness/vision impairment. Depending on his or her functional impairment, a competitor may or may not use a sit-ski, a chair equipped with a pair of skis. Athletes with vision impairment compete in the event with a sighted guide."

View para-cross country skiing (IPC YouTube)

Regarding Men's 15km Sitting, host Nation South Korea earned bronze represented by hometown favorite SIN Eui Hyun. The U.S. and Daniel CNOSSEN earned the Silver medal and Maksym YAROVYI of Ukraine earned Gold. 

Biathalon Centre in Alpensia, site of Cross-Country Skiing today

Para-cross-country skiiers at the mark awaiting starting signal

Consider the upper body strength required to propel
oneself through wet snow!

Since skiiers start at different times, it is not the first who crosses the finish line,
but the FASTEST who earn medals!

Fans are ready despite -1C weather!

Who is that behind the Foster Grants?

The Korean unification flag is a popular novelty with all fans

Canadian athletes root for a teammate

Bandabi helps us to celebrate the victory of Daniel Cnossen of Team USA!

Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists receive fan applause

Women skiiers climbing slippery hill on
the challenging course

Enthusiastic athletes and families cheer for Republic of Kazakhstan
and also other paralympians!

First finishers of Womens 12km seated cross-country

Athletes from Norway enjoy the competition

Winners of the Women's 12km Sitting were Kendall GRETSCH of the U.S., who earned Gold, Andrea ESKAU of Germany earning Silver, and Oksana MASTERS, who received the Bronze medal for the U.S. 

Women medalists enjoy celebration following a tough race

Today, I look forward to ice hockey mixed preliminary round, USA vs. Czech Republic, at Gangneung Hockey Centre.

10:00	Alpensia Biathlon Centre		Men's 15km, Sitting UKR Maksym YAROVYI (LW10)  USA Daniel CNOSSEN (LW12)  KOR SIN Eui Hyun (LW12)		Finished
11:15	Alpensia Biathlon Centre		Women's 12km, Sitting USA Kendall GRETSCH (LW11.5)  GER Andrea ESKAU (LW11)  USA Oksana MASTERS (LW12)