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2010 Paralympic Winter Games

WEDNESDAY, 18 MARCH 2009


The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport, raised the Paralympic flag on Parliament Hill today, celebrating one year until Canada welcomes the world to the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

"The 2010 Paralympic Games will be the first time Canada will host the Paralympic Winter Games. This will be an exciting opportunity to cheer on our Canadian Paralympic athletes and share in their dreams of winning Paralympic gold," said Minister Lunn. "The passion, dedication, and spirit of our athletes is inspiring Canadians and in 2010 they will shine here at home."

Activities were held across the country to celebrate the one-year countdown to the 2010 Paralympic Games, and to recognize the Paralympic movement and its important role in the sporting world. In Ottawa, festivities included: the raising of the International Paralympic Committee flag on Parliament Hill, appearances by Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, Carla Qualtrough, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and John Furlong, CEO of the Vancouver Organizing committee. Paralympic officials were joined by celebrated Canadian athletes and 2010 hopefuls Ina Forest and Herve Lord.

At the Ottawa International Airport, the Welcome to Canada Program was launched to promote the 2010 Winter Games at various entrances in airports across Canada. At CFB Valcartier, Senator Andree Champagne and Paralympic athletes Benoit St-Amand and Steve Daniel highlighted the Soldier On program-as a tribute to the original veteran rehabilitation program that inspired the Paralympics.

"As the International Paralympic Committee flag rose and the Peace Tower Carillon bells rang today on Parliament Hill, you could see Canada's pride in supporting the Paralympic Winter Games and the achievements of our athletes," said the Hounourable Gary Lunn. "Let's all commit to making these Canada's Games."

The 2010 Paralympic Games will be the tenth edition of the Paralympic Games. The following sport competitions will be staged for the Paralympic Winter Games:

- Alpine Skiing, including events for both men and women in Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom, Slalom, and Super Combined Cross-Country Skiing, including short distance, middle distance, long distance, and relay events for men and women

- Ice Sledge Hockey tournament for men

- Wheelchair Curling Mixed Tournament

- Biathlon, including short- and long-distance events for men and women

For more information visit: www.canada2010.gc.ca.

For more details on this news, please visit pr-usa.net.

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