Published Sunday, 09 September 2012
Michael McKillop came first in the T37 1500m. (© Getty)
The Co Antrim runner, who won two gold medals in the T37 1500m and 800m races, has been named the male athlete who best embodies the spirit of the Games.
McKillop will receive a special medal from the International Paralympic Committee during the ceremony in the Olympic Stadium later.
The International Paralympic Committee said McKillop was chosen out of the 58 nominees for dedicating his time to helping and encouraging thousands of schoolchildren across Ireland.
The runner, from Glengormley, said he believes all Paralympians should help promote their own sports and serve as role models for the next generation.
Leading the tributes to Team Ireland, President Michael D Higgins said: "Their courage, commitment and sporting prowess will live long in the hearts and minds of the Irish people."
"I look forward to meeting them in Aras an Uachtarain in the near future and to congratulating them in person."
The athletes will touch down in Dublin to a hero's welcome on Monday night.
Northern Ireland athletes will bring home six medals from London.
Eglinton sprinter Jason Smyth took 200m and 100m gold, Seaforde's Bethany Firth won the 100m backstroke S14, Portaferry cyclist James Brown took tandem road time trial bronze.
Praising the success, UUP MLA Robin Swann said: "The Paralympic Games which draw to a close today have been a tremendous success and we have all followed the fortunes of the Northern Ireland athletes as they ran and swam to Gold medal success and set new World records.
"In the process they added to the sporting glory created by the rowers and boxers who won silver and bronze medals at the London 2012 Olympics."