IOC president Bach declares closure of Rio Olympic...

Full coverage: 2016 Rio Olympics

The IOC President Thomas Bach has declared the Rio Olympic Games closed at the Maracana Stadium. 

Bach hails the Rio Olympics the host city as “marvelous.” He also expressed gratitude to the volunteers and inspiring athletes, praising them as heroes. Bach also singled out the refugee athletes, expressing appreciation and continuous support for refugees. 

He also presented the Olympic Cup to 6 representatives of Rio to honor its people. 

The closing ceremony came to an end in the joy of fireworks and samba, the lively Brazilian dance.

Athletes parade at the Maracana Stadium during the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug. 21, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

 Fireworks explode over the Maracana Stadium during the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug. 21, 2016. （Xinhua/Zheng Huansong）