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2010 Paralympic Torch Relay in Whistler

The 10-day, 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay will give many Canadians, young and old, a chance to discover the unique and inspiring stories of Paralympians and other Canadians who defy the odds.

The 2010 Winter Games are Canada's Games and the Paralympic Torch Relay is an important event to connect Canadians to the Games.

Through public celebrations, school programs and online, the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay will engage Canadians, and hopefully the world, by demonstrating the fire inside each individual and how it inspires others. It will shine a light on their achievements and celebrate their passion for sports.

The 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay in brief:

Lighting of the Paralympic Flame during a ceremony in Ottawa involves torchbearers who represent each province and territory.
This relay is distinct from typical relays as it will happen in and around the Celebration Communities.
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The 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay will begin in Ottawa on March 3, 2010 and conclude at the Opening Ceremony in Vancouver signalling the start of the Paralympic Winter Games on March 12, 2010 where Paralympians from all over the world will unite to celebrate the possible.

The 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay arrives in Whistler Monday, March 8, 2010.

On March 8, the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay will be in Whistler, igniting an exciting, free and family-focused community celebration featuring local and regional talent in Village Square from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler has received $20,000 towards Whistler's community celebration on March 8 through the Province of British Columbia's 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay Community Grants Program.

"On behalf of Whistler, I'd like to thank the Province of British Columbia for this generous grant," said Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed. "On March 8, the community, our neighbours and visitors are invited to cheer on the torchbearers and celebrate the achievements of Paralympians and others with amazing stories of courage and perseverance."

The festivities kick off at 11:30 a.m. at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. All are welcome to attend a traditional Lil'wat Nation Ceremony that will create, welcome and bless the flame in front of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre welcome figures.

Once the flame is lit, fifty torchbearers will carry the flame through Upper Village to the Wizard chairlift, up Blackcomb Mountain, across the Peak to Peak Gondola, down Whistler Mountain and through the Village, giving the community the chance to see torchbearers, chosen for their unique and inspirational stories, run with the Paralympic Flame.

Vancouver-based band Delhi 2 Dublin, a First Nations hoop dancer and other performers will hit the stage for exciting performances to wrap up an inspirational day that will not soon be forgotten.