March 5, 2010 — It has been nearly a week since the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games ended. Two weeks from now on March 12th, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games are set to get underway in Vancouver. Like the Games that just ended, the Paralympics officially open when the torch is lit. And like the earlier games, the Paralympics Torch Relay is run in advance of the all of the other events.
On Wednesday dignitaries gathered in Ottawa to kick off the Torch Run. Among the dignitaries, our own Rebekah Wilson who was asked by the Métis National Council to represent all Métis at the event. Wilson carried the Paralympic lantern, along with representatives of the Inuit Nation and Assembly of First Nations, on stage where the cauldron was lit. Also present during the lighting of the cauldron were Squamish Chief Gibby Jacobs, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed.
The relay, which began in Ottawa on March 3rd will visit Quebec City and Toronto before heading to several British Columbia cities prior to the beginning of the Paralympics. The Games will run from March 12th until the 21st in Vancouver.
More about the Paralympic Torch Relay
News coverage of Paralympic Ceremony: CTV News @ noon and @ 6 – March 3/2010