Allan Terry, the Australians beat the English by a single basket (20–18). The atmosphere was summarised in The Australian Paraplegic: "The spectacle of the opening ceremony and wheelpast, followed by the excitement of the basketball, sent spectators home well rewarded for their attendance at the opening day of the First Commonwealth Paraplegic Games." The ceremony and the game received wide television, radio and newspaper coverage highlighting the importance of the event in rehabilitation. Closing The closing ceremony, before a near-capacity crowd of 3,500, had the colour of the opening, with 35 marching bands (400 girls) and Scottish bands. The crowd had been present for the recently completed basketball final game. A DC-7B aircraft, chartered by the British teams, conducted a fly past. Sir Ludwig Guttman, founder of the Paralympic Games, in his closing address, thanked Australia and stated that "What has been the most gratifying achievement is that the First Commonwealth Paraplegic Games have fulfilled the aims and ideals of the Stoke Mandeville Games in furthering friendship and understanding among various nations of the Commonwealth." Guttman presented George Bedbrook with the Stoke Mandeville pennant in recognition for the organisation of the games. Each team then wheeled past the dais to the famous Australian song "Waltzing Matilda". Sir Arthur Porritt, chairman of the British Empire and Commonwealth Games Federation, declared the games closed. In his speech, he told the audience that he hoped the general public would continue to support paraplegics and their movement. Logistics and insignia The original plan was to hold the games at the Shenton Park Annexe of Royal Perth Hospital but this was abandoned due to the need for temporary buildings. The Royal Agricultural Showground in the suburb of Claremont was used as it had an oval and buildings for accommodation and events. A major advantage of the venue was that all facilities were on one level. There was no suitable facility for basketball and after much debate a wooden court was laid on a sand foundation in front of the main grandstand. Beatty Park was used for swimming events. Pamela McCarthy, one of India's two athletes, made the following comment on the showground facilities: "This communal living was ideal for getting to know one and another and for making friends; every conceivable facility was provided at the Showgrounds – such as television lounge, a shop, post office, bank, laundry and even a ladies hairdresser." The organising