Paralympics: Disabled athletes back to cheers and praise

The crowd went into a frenzy of flag fluttering at first sight of a wheelchair.

The deafening clapping continued for minutes as the New Zealand Paralympic team arrived home at Auckland International Airport yesterday with a haul of 17 medals.

Five-year-old Kayla Munckhof caught a ride with her athlete uncle Paul Munckhof, clambering on to his knees and coasting into the airport arrival lounge.

Double medallist Dave MacCalman was the centre of attention after winning gold in javelin and in the pentathlon during the games.

"It was just an amazing time and I'm looking forward to a long break with my family. I couldn't have done it without them," said MacCalman, who returns to Australia this week for a two-week holiday.

The team's medal haul of six golds, seven silvers and four bronzes equalled the number won four years ago in Atlanta.

Tim Prendergast, a Wellington runner who won silver in the 1500m, said the Paralympics was the most amazing experience of his life.

While the Wheel Blacks lost out on a chance to compete for gold against the United States after losing to Australia, captain Grant Sharman said the team were happy with their bronze.

They were devastated after surrendering a five-point lead over Australia, but felt the win over Canada restored their pride.

The team's chef de mission, Dave Currie, said the public interest in the Paralympics was extraordinary compared with previous years.

Click here for Herald Online Olympic/Paralympic News