Celebrate the Flame and the Power of One: 2010 Paralympic Games

“Celebrate the Flame and the Power of One.  One mind, one body, one spirit!”  This chant filled the BC Place Stadium last Friday night at the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.  the Flame: symbol of the Games. The ‘power of one” recognizes the achievements of the individual paralympic athletes as they compete in these Games, the first held in Canada.

Governor General Michaelle Jean was greeted by a joyful roar of voices as she officially opened the Games and walked to the stage holding hands with two children.  Then the arena became a sea of dancing children forming the pattern of a maple leaf.

The enthusiastic autdience thrilled at the spectacle, exploding in a chorous of “One mind, body, spirit!” as the 1350 athletes and coaches from 44 countries filed into the arena, some of them limping, others on crutches, some in wheelchairs, others with visual impairments led by guides. Some waved with just one arm.  Everyone smiled and cheered.

The gala evening was celebrated with music and entertainment provided by musicians, dancers and performers many of them disabled.  It was very much a family affair with many children participating as well as i the audience.

The ceremonies also celebrated the potential demonstrated by athletes of all ages, male and female, children and adults.  There was a special appearance by Paralympic  athlete Rick Hansen,  who undertook the Man in Motion Tour back in March 2005 inspiring the world and  who continues to inspire Paralympians  today.  A tribute was made to Terry Fox, the young man who lost his leg to cancer at age 20 and ran across Canada on one leg to raise money for cancer research.  Terry died before he could finish his run in June 1981 a the age of 22.  Fox’s parents Betty and Rolly Fox, brought the Paralympic torch into BC Place illuminating a circle of 40 torchbearers.  They lit the torch of Daniel Wesley, who won 12 medals in wheelchair racing and alpine skiing who,in turn, lit the torch of Marni Abbott-Peter, one of the world’s best wheelchair basketball players and honorary mayor of the 2010 athletes village.  The final hour was left to 15 year old Zach Beaumont who lost his right leg as a baby.  He is an athlete who one day aspires to compete in snowboarding at the Paralympics and represents hope for the future

The Paralympic Games are a sport event about extraordinary athletes and  is about changing perceptions, dispelling myths and challenging assumptions.  The Opening Ceremonies lived up to its theme of “one inspires many”.  The more than 60,000 people who witnessed the event were truly inspired and many were moved to tears.

In the Downtown LiveCity site, a small crowd braved the rain to watch the live broadcast.  The LiveCity site at Georgia and Beatty Street is open from 10am – 1pm until March 21.  You can visit Canada House here and enjoy some of the interactive exhibits there.

The 2010 Paralympic Winter Games continue until March 21.  Sledge hockey and curling is held in Vancouver and the skiing and biathalon events are held at Whistler. The Closing Ceremony will be held at Whistler Village.

2010 Paralympic Games Schedule and Tickets Info.

Terry Fox Foundation

Man in Motion Foundation   W. 6th Ave. Vancouver B.C.  604-707-2100

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