PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
Three Inductees to the Visa Paralympic Hall of Fame
On 14 March, on the second day of competition of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, this year's inductees were welcomed to the Paralympic Hall of Fame, presented by Visa. Inductees included Cross-Country skier Tanja Kari (FIN), Alpine skier Chris Waddell (USA), and Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing coach Rolf Hettich (GER). The three inductees were nominated by member organizations of the IPC based on their athletic performance, history of fair play and participation in community service. Kari, Waddell and Hettich then were selected by the IPC's Governing Board.
Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award
Two gold medals weighing 75 grams will be presented at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony to two athletes, a male and a female who best exemplify the spirit of the games. This award is for Paralympians who not only achieve sporting excellence, but also exceptionally inspire and excite the world.
Opening Ceremony Jump Starts Vancouver Winter Paralympics
Nearly 5,000 performers filled the stage at the BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, thrilling a sold-out stadium to start the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
Natalie Du Toit Wins Laureus 2010 Award
South African Swimmer Natalie Du Toit was recently named 2010 Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability. The names of the winners were announced at a televised Awards Ceremony staged at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi which also celebrated the first ten years in the life of Laureus and was attended by global figures from the world of sport and entertainment.