Seven million watch Paralympics closing ceremony Earlier today Boris Johnson pledged a lasting Games legacy for London claiming those who doubted Britain's ability to deliver have been "resolutely smited by the relentlessly optimistic 'can-do' mood." The London mayor said athletes' achievements were matched by the attitude of the Games' volunteers and staff. He also praised the city's transport network for coping with increased passenger numbers over the summer. Organisers said 2.7 million tickets were sold for Paralympic events, making it the best-attended Games in history. Getty Images Praising those involved in the summer of sport, Mr Johnson said: "London's Games have proven to be a mind-boggling success which has broadcast to the world that we are dynamic city crammed with confidence, talent and opportunity. Those who griped and groaned over our ability to stage this sporting juggernaut have been resolutely smited by the relentlessly optimistic, 'can-do' mood that has swept over our nation. The Olympic and Paralympic Games have taken years in the planning and there is a dedicated cast of thousands to offer our gratitude and without whom this glorious summer would not have been possible. This includes those who kept London working and a huge army of community-spirited volunteers. We must also pay tribute to our fantastic police and emergency services, the Armed Forces and security personnel, Transport for London staff and all transport workers. Despite initial concerns from some Londoners that the city's transport network would buckle under the strain of hosting the two events, Mr Johnson said investment in the infrastructure had helped cope with demand. Boris Johnson hands over the Paralympic Games flag to Brazil (Getty Images) There were 62 million journeys made on the Tube during the Olympics and initial figures showed passenger numbers during the Paralympics was up by more than 18% compared with the previous year. Traffic was down 15% during the Games, with motorists heeding advice about avoiding central London and other strategic routes, Mr Johnson said. He added: "The hard work does not end here. London is already reaping the benefits of the multi-billion investment into new infrastructure that has ensured the smooth delivery of these golden Games. Capitalising on this once-in-a-generation event has been at the heart of our planning from the outset and so my priority remains that the glories of this historic summer do not fade, instead transmuting into a fruitful legacy that will underpin this city's economic vibrancy for decades to come. Olympics minister Hugh Robertson said the whole country should feel "immensely proud of what has been achieved." He added: "Quite rightly our glorious athletes have taken centre stage thanks to their incredible achievements, but we should also pay tribute to the thousands of torch bearers, volunteers and other unsung heroes who have all played their part. The closing ceremony may draw the curtain on the Games but we are determined to deliver a genuine and lasting legacy from London 2012. The mayor cited £7 million investment in grassroots sports programmes, as well as business engagements expected to create 10,000 jobs in the capital during the next three years, as evidence of a lasting legacy for the city. Through the London Legacy Development Corporation, Mr Johnson has pledged £2 million to establish an annual festival of disability sport on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, creating new sporting, leisure and employment opportunities.