The EPC is coming to an end today after 13 days of competition which has seen more than 1,500 athletes from 45 nations compete across 10 Para sports.

Kersten said "pride" was his overriding emotion after witnessing the idea he proposed in 2019 become a reality in Rotterdam.

But Kersten admitted that there are areas that he would like to improve when looking to stage the event again in four years’ time.

Key to Kersten’s plans for the future is ensuring every sport is competing at a "main hub".

The Rotterdam Ahoy has acted as the centrepiece for the first-ever EPC, staging Para archery, Para badminton, boccia, goalball, Para judo, shooting Para sport, Para taekwondo and wheelchair basketball competition.

But Kersten said it was a shame that wheelchair tennis players and Para cyclists did not get to experience the Rotterdam Ahoy.

Wheelchair tennis matches were initially held at Victoria Tennishal before the finals were staged at Schouwburgplein in the heart of the city, while Para cycling races took place at Scheepvaartkwartier and Willem-Alexander Baan in Rotterdam.

"What I regret a little is that we couldn’t give wheelchair tennis and Para cycling the feeling that they were actually part of the Athlete Home," Kersten told insidethegames.

"They were at Victoria.

"Preferably you have this at the main venue, the main hub and the same for cycling.

"The cyclists never saw Ahoy and that’s a shame.

"This morning, I guided the UEC [European Cycling Union] around and they loved the concept but they didn't see it because they arrived at the hotel and then they went to the track and that was it.

"For the next edition I would prefer to have it all together.

"It depends on what venue you are in.

"For tennis, you need courts.

"It's not so easy to create six or seven courts because you need so many for practice and they play a lot of games.

"In Para cycling, you need a track.

"That has to do with road closures so there needs to be a lot of micro communication with people that are living by the track.

"It’s not that easy but that’s something I would like to improve for the next edition, that’s a wish.

"The main hub venue is very important in the success of this event.

"It’s the first priority because that’s the first interest of the athletes."

Kersten said that the event had "exceeded" his expectations and had received plenty of positive feedback from participants.

"I think everyone was very enthusiastic, especially athletes," said Kersten.

"They really liked it.

"And if athletes like it, the National and International Federations like it as well.

"They especially liked the Paralympic Village feel in the Athlete Home.

"I think that was very pleasant for everybody.

"Obviously there are always challenges but I think the athletes had a good experience.

"We have learnt a lot but that’s for 2027."