The IOC President went on to describe the Rio Games as a celebration of diversity, which would leave a lasting positive impact on the host city.
“These Olympic Games are leaving a unique legacy for generations to come.
“History will talk about a Rio de Janeiro before and a much better Rio de Janeiro after the Olympic Games.”
In recognition of the host city’s efforts President Bach also revealed that the Olympic Cup.
The Olympic Cup award created 110 years earlier by the founder of the modern Olympic Games Pierre de Coubertin, would be presented to the people of Rio de Janeiro.
Six ‘cariocas’ representing various NGOs, the volunteer team and the construction workforce who worked on the Games venues, were invited onto the stage to accept the cup on behalf of their fellow citizens.
President Bach also had a special word for the 10 athletes who competed under the Olympic flag for the Refugee Olympic Team.
He pledged the IOC’s continued support for athletes who find themselves unable to compete under their own flag:
“You have inspired us with your talent and human spirit. You are a symbol of hope to the millions of refugees in the world.
“We will continue to stay at your side after these Olympic Games.”
President Bach then declared the Games of the XXXI Olympiad closed.
In accordance with tradition, he called on the youth of the world to assemble in Tokyo in four years’ time. And with that it was ‘Bye bye Rio”.
With the formalities over, the performers returned, this time with a vibrant and colourful choreographed homage to famous Brazilian artist and landscaper Roberto Burle Marx.
Popular Brazilian singer Mariene de Castro performed a ballad at the foot of the Olympic cauldron as tropical rains extinguished the flame.
Then, in an echo of the Opening Ceremony, a Pau Brasil tree, the national tree which gave the country its name rose majestically up from the centre of the stage.
That was the signal for a burst of fireworks to illuminate the entire stadium.
A samba band then upped the tempo, hammering out Rio’s very own anthem, “A Marvellous City”, as the Closing Ceremony was transformed into a Carnival-style celebration.
It was a fitting tribute to what had been a carnival of sport and a marvellous Olympic Games.
© Copyright 2016 www.elombah.com. Send eyewitness accounts/reports/articles to publisher@elombah.com; follow us on twitter handle @Elombah; like our Facebook page: “Elombah.com”.