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Canada hosted the 10th Winter Paralympic Games

Since the time I shook the hand of a paralympian at the Opening Celebration of 2010 Winter Olympics hosted by Suncor Energy Inc., I have looked forward to witnessing a history which will unfold on home soil. My excitement grew higher as we drew closer going to our destination: Whistler & Vancouver at the 10th edition of the Winter Paralympic Games here in Canada. Before I share my experiences, allow me to provide you with brief information about Paralympics should this event be as new to you as to me.
The 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay began at the nation’s capital –Ottawa on March 3rd and concluded on March 12 at the Opening Ceremony in Vancouver. This signaled the start of the Paralympic Winter Games. Paralympians from all over the world united to celebrate the possible. Paralympic Games started as a sporting event from England after WWII, intended for veterans with spinal cord injuries. It became an international competition when the Dutch joined the British 4 years later. In 1960, it was officially classified as Paralympics and in 1976, other disability groups were added for international sport competitions from several countries. It was the 1988 Paralympic Games and the 1992 Winter Paralympic Games that this event was held at the same venues as the Olympics.

Presently, Paralympics are the athletes from six disability groups – Visually Impaired, Wheelchair, Amputee, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, and Les Autres- which encompasses athletes with a physical disability that does not belong to one of the other categories. This past 2010 Winter Paralympic Games, athletes competed in five disciplines – Ice Sledge Hockey, Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross-Country Skiing and Wheelchair Curling.
The first event we attended was at the Thunderbird Arena ,UBC for the ice sledge hockey. It was a first for my husband and myself, together with my sister–in-law and husband. It was truly unbelievable watching how fast and furious athletes were playing and chasing the puck to shoot a goal. The sledge was designed with two skate blades on a metal frame that allow the puck to pass underneath. They also have two sticks with each end having round poles and bike handles.

After the game, we headed to Squamish, B.C., a midpoint between Vancouver and Whistler. Here we had dinner and spent our night. On our way to Squamish was the panoramic view of greater Vancouver including Granville Island, Lions & Stanley Park. There was also the very scenic mountain and coastal view that is truly spectacular.

The next day, we headed to Whistler Creekside and enjoyed brunch, then caught a free shuttle for the Paralympic venue for alpine skiing . While sitting at the grandstand at the bottom of the ski hill, we enjoyed watching ski racers of different categories. The Alpine Standing event was for amputees missing either a leg or arm, where they used either 1 or 2 skis or poles. We went frantic whenever Canada won medals. The other category was Sitting, for paraplegias and amputees above the knees. The most impressive category for me was the Visually Impaired for the blinds or limited sights. With the help of guides skiing ahead of the competitor, dictating instructions and directions to them, athletes blazed down the hill with enough speed for a police officer to give them a speeding ticket…. amazing!!!

Our last visit was at the quaint village of Whistler, for both lunch and a stroll. Again, I was mesmerized by the spectacular view of the huge snow-capped Blackcomb and Whistler mountains. I was able to clearly see the slopes and the array of establishments whose locations were designed not to hinder the view and beauty of nature. The village is also a shopper’s paradise due to the array of unique souvenir shops and high end boutiques. Everything was in very close proximity, as the village is designed to be car free.

We had ample time to spare before heading back to Calgary, so my husband and I visited Canada Place in Vancouver, where the outdoor Olympic cauldron was erected and remained lit until the closing ceremony. There we also waited for the Olympic rings in the bay which glowed gold whenever Canada won a medal. It has been a very memorable weekend for us, knowing that when the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics was held in Vancouver, we were there and were part of it.

Canada hosted the 10th Winter Paralympic Games

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