Astonishingly, it was a week ago since the London 2012 Paralympics opened with such measured triumph. In the days that have followed we have witnessed much that was obvious, more that was expected and a little of the unknown. But most of all we have seen an event change before our eyes.
So how's it gone so far?
SPORT
Dazzling, inspiring, enviable - and that's just the girls' nails! Spectators have been treated to some brilliant sporting drama across all the venues that provided such a dramatic backdrop earlier in the summer. The Chinese have dominated proceedings again, with the track and the pool (Fiulang Liu and Yang Yang both standouts) proving particularly fruitful. The medal table demonstrates just how wide the talent is spread on a global scale.
The pool has allowed for individual domination, with Australia's Jacqueline Freney and the USA's Jessica Long putting in some outstanding performances. But Equestrian, Shooting and Road Cycling has witnessed some memorable moments of personal brilliance, and the team sports are coming into their own as we draw to a finish.
'Bladegate' has provided one of the Paralympics' most controversial stories, yet Oscar Pistorius having a bona fide rival is good for the sport and the movement. Their spat has underscored what has been real quality competition. And with many more medals to be contended before the end of Sunday, we can expect plenty of drama.
GRADE: A
PARALYMPICS GB
Unlike their Olympic counterparts, the British paralympians got out of the traps quickly, with Sarah Storey winning gold in the Track Cycling on the first day. The Storeys have gone on to make big waves in the Velodrome with Sarah's husband Barney also winning gold.
But dominance has spread wide, with Sophie Christiansen winning an incredible three golds in the Equestrian and team mate Heather Baker winning two. Darling of the pool, and 2012 poster girl Ellie Simmonds has added two golds in London to the two she won in Beijing 2008. And no-nonsense competitor David Weir provided the Paralympics with a Mo Farah moment, dramatically winning the T54 1500m in the Athletics.
The Britons have performed extremely well across their events, and are well on course to both top their 2008 haul and meet the target of winning 103 medals set by the BPA.
GRADE: A
VENUES & TRANSPORT
On the eve of the Paralympics there was understandable concern that the transport network would not be able to handle demand in light of the return to school for thousands of the capital's children, along with football and rugby returning for new seasons. As it goes - touch wood - the network has kept it together in the face of unprecedented spectator attendance for a Paralympic Games.
The iconic venues of London 2012 continue to tell awe-inspiring stories, whilst the ExCel centre has maintained its place as a versatile space to host a range of well-supported events.
GRADE: A
ORGANISATION & FANS/MOOD
Having had plenty to learn from the Olympics, the transition has been smooth with a new troop of Games Makers picking up from the exceptional work of their predecessors. A key step change has obviously occurred, as these Paralympics have had more spectators attend than any other Games in history. The Park has swelled to volumes seen during the Olympics and this is in no small part down to the day-pass system being used there and at ExCel. They have been a masterstroke move in ensuring venues are full and well supported.
As for fans, they have cheered, wept and embraced these Games. They have defied the critics and doubters to make an experience every bit as good as those seen earlier in the summer. Given the intrinsic link between the Paralympics and Great Britain, it is a source of immense pride that a domestic audience has flocked to watch the Games in great numbers and with greater passion.
GRADE: B
COVERAGE
Whilst the BBC have been praised from all corners of the world for their defining coverage of the Olympic Games, the knives have been out for Channel 4 ever since they won the rights to broadcast the London 2012 Paralympic Games in 2010.
They did not help themselves with some appalling coverage during an Opening Ceremony they also littered with ad breaks. But once the anti-commercial naysayers were negated it was clear to see that C4 have some decent intentions, even if the execution hasn't been to standard. The screaming success has been their late night colour show, The Last Leg fronted by Adam Hills and supported by Alex Brooker - both disabled, and both earning huge approval ratings on social media.
While Claire Balding was poached from the Beeb to front the live coverage, even she can't alter the opinion that while C4 have had some decent moments it was a mistake to award coverage to them and Auntie (who are now believed to be extremely regretful for not tabling a better bid) must surely step in to secure and pioneer proceedings in 2016.
GRADE: C
OVERALL
The Paralympics have been transformed. The organisers of London 2012 have moved the conversation on to such an extent that a large cross-section of the viewing public believe it should be part of the Olympics, such is the immense talent, heart and skill shown by the athletes. These Games have moved people, but most of all have challenged those who have been critical historically to look at disability in an entirely different way.
Legacy is unfurling before our very eyes. And that is an exceptional thing.
GRADE: A
