24h Relay of Paralympic Torch in Vancouver

In the final hours before the Paralympic Cauldron is lit at the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, a flame is lighting up the heart of Vancouver's downtown as it is carried by nearly 300 torchbearers who will share the message of inspiration, determination, courage and equality. 11 Mar 2010 By IPC

Torchbearers are carrying the Paralympic Flame in a circular relay through downtown Vancouver streets for 24 hours continuously before the start of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympics. Interactive exhibits and free, family entertainment including bands, sport demonstrations, public skating, DJs and dance acts will be featured throughout the 24-hour celebration.

Spectators and media are invited to come down, cheer and participate in an energetic and meaningful display of strength, determination and Canadian pride. Torchbearers include Canadian Men's Ice Hockey Olympic Gold Medallist Roberto Luongo, IPC Vice President Greg Hartung, IPC Governing Board Members Dato' Zainal Abu Zarin, Andrew Parsons, Hyang Sook-Yang, Miguel Sagarra, Ali Harzallah and Jose Luis Campo, as well as NPC Canada President Carla Qualthrough, Paralympian Chantal Petitclerc and UN Special Advisor on Sport for Development and Peace Willi Lemke.

More than 600 torchbearers are proudly carrying the flame during the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola and RBC and supported by the Government of Canada and the Province of BC. The Paralympic Torch is visiting 11 communities over a ten day period, culminating in the lighting of the Paralympic Cauldron at BC Place in downtown Vancouver on 12 March 2010.

For more information about the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, please visit www.vancouver2010.com.