Sochi 2014 Reveals Closing Flag Handover Ceremony

Organizers announced that one of the world's leading sand animators, Artur Kirillov, will create images to the music of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, which tell a story of the girl's commitment and diligence that resulted in her fulfilling her dreams of becoming a Paralympian. The young girl will be symbolized by a one-winged bird - the heroine's faith and commitment to her dream will give the bird wings allowing it to fly unrestricted.

The handover will feature 2008 Paralympic Games swimming champion and Sochi 2014 ambassador, Olesya Vladykina, who will perform a figure skating routine of Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Snowflakes", alongside Olympic Figure Skating champion Ilya Kulik.

European and World Champions in Wheelchair Dancing will also perform Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers".

Sochi 2014's presentation will conclude with the performance of the Sochi 2014 anthem by famous Russian singer and Sochi 2014 ambassador Diana Gurtskaya and the Domisolka children's choir.

Sochi 2014 President and CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko said, "during the Sochi 2014 presentation we will tell viewers an incredible story that is close to the hearts of all participants of the Paralympic Games, as well as their families and loved ones. It will be a story that, thanks to the power of sports and art, becomes an example for millions of others.

"This is what we want to achieve through Russia's first Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi in 2014, where the courage and determination of people with a disability will be celebrated. This will have a major impact on changing attitudes in Russia towards people with a disability, to encourage equality and an improved standard of life as part of a broad social legacy for all".