Ottawa Celebrates 100 Days to Vancouver

The official 100-day marker to the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games is being celebrated today in the Canadian capital of Ottawa, with a special Paralympic Sport demonstration event.

Canada’s Minister of State for Sport Gary Lunn is participating in the big event, giving a speech on the occasion to Paralympic fans and the citizens of Canada. The day, titled “City of Ottawa’s Accessibility Day 2009” will have Ice Sledge Hockey demonstrated for all those in attendance. Paralympic mascot Sumi will also be on hand to celebrate with the crowd.

Several Paralympic athletes will be at the big event, including Canadian Ice Sledge Hockey players Jean Labonte, Herve Lord, Graeme Murray and Todd Nicholson. Paralympic fans in Ottawa today will be able to catch the Paralympic spirit as the organizers will be passing out pins, tattoos and stickers with the Vancouver emblem.

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games take place from 12-21 March 2010 with approximately 1,000 athletes and officials from more than 40 countries. Tickets for all Paralympic events can be purchased at www.vancouver2010.com, in person at Main Ticket Centres in Vancouver and Whistler or over the phone at 1.800.TICKETS or 604.629.7140 TDD/TTY, as part of Phase 3 of ticket sales for the Games.

Premier Gordon Campbell released the following statement yesterday in regards to the 100-day countdown to the start of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games:

"In just 100 days, British Columbia will welcome the world’s top Paralympians to compete in the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Our province is honoured to host over 1,300 athletes and officials from more than 40 countries, as they excel and compete in Winter Games events. We look forward to the fierce competition of ice sledge hockey, the grace of Alpine Skiing, the speed and accuracy of the Biathlon and the Wheelchair Curling events, and the athletic endurance of Cross-Country Skiing."

"The Paralympic flame will begin its journey in Ottawa on 3 March, as more than 600 people carry it to Vancouver prior to the Games. It is a flame that has been alight in the hearts of the athletes for years, as they’ve prepared to participate in the 2010 Games, and nothing shines brighter than that desire to compete. The determination, skill and courage that will be on display during the Paralympic Winter Games are a testament to the indomitable spirit of these elite athletes. Each athlete has overcome personal limitations to become one of the best in the world at their chosen sport. The people of British Columbia are ready to greet the Paralympic athletes, their coaches and their families with open hearts, and cheer them on as they go for the gold in 2010."