Eighteen days of entertaining, exciting and enthralling sporting action came to a climax last night at the 2007 Rio Pan-Am Games Closing Ceremony.

Ending just as it began at the Maracana Stadium in front of thousands of patriotic spectators who, on this occasion, braved showery conditions to say a fond farewell to Brazil's biggest ever sporting event.

The celebrations started on a sombre note, though, with the military police carrying a Brazilian flag on stage in memory of those who tragically lost their lives at the airport disaster in Sao Paulo a fortnight ago.

But it was not long before the party was in full swing with a flurry of fireworks illuminating the night sky before 1,500 percussionists led a lively rendition of the Games' catchy anthem Viva essa energia (Share the Energy).

Challenging convention, the celebrations were threatening to be more extravagant than that of the Open Ceremony, which Chef de Mission Phillip Guishard had described as the best Bermuda had been involved in.

It seemed as though even Christ the Redeemer, looming above the stadium on Corcovado Mountain, was straining to see just where the festival of noise was originating.

The celebrations continued with athletes entering the stadium, with no separation in the 42 delegations, representing the spirit and unity of the Games.

Over the last fortnight Rio has gone Pan-Am potty with the Games capturing the imagination of this sports mad nation.

And the cheers that erupted around the stadium when the giant screens showed clips involving Brazil's medal winners, many of whom have become household names, was a reflection of how they have been taken to their nation's hearts.

It has been a Games which has displayed Brazil's unbridled passion for sport, but also its ability to host a major competition.

They hope to go one better and host an Olympics or World Cup in the not so distant future, and if this effort is to be used as a gauge than they have certainly done their cause no harm.

As in keeping with tradition Mexico, who will hosts the 2011 Pan-Am Games in Guadalajara then gave its presentation featuring ariachis and accordion players.

Finally a flamboyant array of thunderous fireworks signalled the end of the ceremony.

For Brazil, and the city of Rio de Janeiro, it was mission accomplished.