2010 Paralympic Torch Relay Plans Unveiled

[metroXpress]

Paralympic torch relay plans unveiled
By Damian Inwood, The ProvinceJune 25, 2009







Canada's first Paralympic torch relay will start with a lighting ceremony in Ottawa on March 3, before setting off on a 10-day journey to Vancouver.

And officials for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympics also unveiled the design for the torch and the uniforms which wil be worn by 600 torchbearers.

The torch, designed by Bombardier, is identical in design to the Olympic torch, except for its colour.

Whereas the Olympic torch is white, leading to wags saying it looked like a large marijuana "spliff," the Paralympic torch is a brushed steel.

And the torchbearer outfits, designed by the Hudson's Bay Co., are also a different colour.

The Olympic relay outfits were also white, leading some to compare them to characters in the Woody Allen movie Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask.

The Paralympic uniforms are steel blue.

Sir Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee, also announced the theme of the torch relay emblem, "Spark Becomes Flame," which shows a human figure with its arms raised and joined like the flame of a candle.

"The flame and the Paralympic Torch Relay is a powerful physical reminder of this, of how a dream can spark a personal and emotional transformation in the pursuit of excellence,” said Craven. "I know in 2010, Canadians will give a warm welcome to the flame wherever it visits, and be great hosts to the world’s finest Paralympians.”

He said the four pillars of the Paralympic movement are determination, courage, equality and inspiration.

Premier Gordon Campbell predicted Canadian Paralympic athletes will take home sackfuls of gold medals in the 2010 Games.

"The Paralympic Torch Relay will bring the spirit of competition and triumph that our Paralympic athletes personify to communities across British Columbia and Canada,” said Campbell “We’ve already witnessed how truly incredible these athletes are and how fierce the competition is when we hosted several Paralympic sport events at the 2010 venues earlier this year. British Columbians are excited to host Canada’s first-ever Paralympic Winter Games and to share in seeing the dreams of our athletes come true right here in their home.”

Over 1,300 athletes and officials from more than 40 countries will take part in five sports events — alpine and cross-country skiing, ice sledge hockey, wheelchair curling and biathlon during the 10-day 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

The Games run in Vancouver and Whistler from Mar. 12 to Mar. 21.

It begins 12 days after the region hosts the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

The complete list of Paralympic relay celebration sites will be announced at a later date.




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http://www.theprovince.com/news/Paralympic+torch+relay+plans+unveiled/1732402/story.html


Can't find a map of the route at the moment.

[mr.x]

well, you could've posted this in the same topic.

[metroXpress]

Originally Posted by mr.x

well, you could've posted this in the same topic.

oh, I guess the mods would have to merge it!