Her Majesty Princess Astrid of Belgium has declared the Special Olympics European Games 2014 closed.

Belgium said goodbye to the 2,000 athletes with a spectacular Closing Ceremony attended by 14,000 spectators. Performances by top Belgium stars Natalia, Kate Ryan, Sandra Kim, Axel Hirsoux, and Stijn Meuris added to the celebrations with lots of dancing.

Speaking at the event, EU Commissioner for Sports Androulla Vassiliou said the Games were an important event on the sports landscape in Europe and the world. She added that the bravery of the athletes witnessed at Antwerp 2014 “fills us with huge hope and pride and make this world a better place.”

Mary Davis, President of Special Olympics in Europe Eurasia congratulated the Games Organising Committee on their excellent organisation: “You created an atmosphere where every athlete was loved, cherished, respected and included. I hope today Belgium is bursting with pride for what you have done and how you did it."

For more information about the Special Olympics European Games 2014, please click here. A video package featuring some of the highlights of the Games is available below.