Sir Philip Craven Carries Paralympic Torch in Whistler

“I think this is the culmination of seven years’ work and to be amongst all these great people, people from many, many countries, well this is what the Paralympic spirit is all about,” said Sir Philip.

The Flame was lit and blessed by the Lil’wat First Nation on in front of the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre the morning. Hundreds of people welcomed the Paralympic Torch in the resort.

After the lighting, fifty torchbearers, including IPC President Sir Philip Craven, five IPC Governing Board members as well as Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed, Paralympian and Head Coach of the BC Para-Alpine Skiing Team Phil Chew and Wheelchair Basketball star Patrick Anderson carried the Flame through Upper Village to the Wizard chairlift, up Blackcomb Mountain, across the Peak to Peak Gondola, down Whistler Mountain and through the Village, giving the community the chance to see torchbearers, chosen for their unique and inspirational stories, run with the Paralympic Flame.

Vancouver-based band Delhi 2 Dublin, a First Nations hoop dancer and other performers hit the stage for exciting performances to wrap up an inspirational day that will not soon be forgotten.

“I think this is the culmination of seven years’ work and to be amongst all these great people, people from many, many countries, well this is what the Paralympic spirit is all about,” said Sir Philip. “I know that Canadians are right up for it. They did not want the Olympics to finish, but they did not need to worry, the Paralympics are here and the festival carries on.”

The Paralympic Flame, which has no ancestral home, started its 10 day journey on 3 March on Victoria Island. More than 600 torchbearers will proudly carry 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 visits 11 communities, 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.