Paralympic torch relay arrives in Vancouver
Posted March 10, 2010 12:54 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Vancouver showed off its Paralympic spirit at Riley Park today, for the latest leg of the Paralympic torch relay. It was a day full of emotion, and great stories from torchbearers, support workers and spectators alike.
The Paralympic torch relay motto is “Spark Becomes Flame” and that’s what happened at Riley Park. A total of 22 torch bearers handled the flame during this leg and each one of them has an amazing story to tell about how they had come to be chosen. it was also a chance to meet Paralympic athletes, support workers and people who work with those facing disabilities on a daily basis.
Wheelchair basketball player Ross MacDonald is one of the 22 people picked to take the torch around the park. He says the opportunity has motivated him to push towards his Paralympic dream. “It’s a re-inspiration I guess for myself, a motivation tool to train really hard and to go my first Paralympics ever in 2012. If I can do that, that would be a dream come true.”
Simon says he had the chance to watch Paralympic events in Torino and is humbled to be able to carry the torch. “I have been a big advocate as the Games have come to Vancouver, telling all the friends and family and everybody I can talk to that if they didn’t get a chance to see all the sports that they wanted to during the Games they should absolutely check out all the different Paralympic sports.”
Jane Blaine has been involved in disability sports programs for about 30 years. She says the Paralympics serves as a global showcase of what people with disabilities are capable of. “What their skills are, what their aspirations are, and that they have so many abilities and things that they can do…and it’s their opportunity to shine.”
And unlike the Olympic torch relay which wound its way through packed streets, the Paralympic relay stays in one place for a while, so everyone can get a great picture of the flame, and the torchbearers. The fanfare for the Paralympic flame was just as great with a big street party happening on Ontario.
This afternoon, Maple Ridge gets its turn with the flame. You can still see the torch relay in Vancouver tomorrow morning at UBC, then the 24-hour relay at Robson Square, with Canucks captain Roberto Luongo lighting the Cauldron.
