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NEWS RELEASE
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For Immediate Release March 6, 2010 |
Ministry of Healthy
Living and Sport
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LOCAL TORCHBEARERS LEAD THE PARALYMPIC FLAME’S JOURNEY
SQUAMISH – The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay visits Squamish tomorrow and the torchbearers selected by the Province of British Columbia are ready to carry the flame with pride during Day 5 of the relay’s 10-day inspirational journey, Mary McNeil, Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow BC, announced today.
“The spirit and enthusiasm for our athletes and the first ever Paralympic Winter Games in Canada, has been amazing – from the response to our public torchbearer contest to the individuals chosen to carry the flame,” said McNeil. “The Province is honoured to be a supporting partner in the Paralympic Torch Relay and we are proud to highlight this momentous event through the people that will make it come to life.”
“These torchbearers are an inspiration to all of us,” says West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Joan McIntyre. “And I know that Squamish residents will embrace the Paralympics, cheering our athletes as they go for gold.”
From November 2009 to January 2010, the Province organized a national contest as part of the Paralympic Torch Relay’s public torchbearer application program. The contest provided an opportunity for Canadians to be part of the experience and support the ideals of the Paralympic movement: courage, determination, inspiration and equality. The contest was a huge success with a large volume of entries and many inspiring stories submitted.
The torchbearers involved in tomorrow’s segment include Nathan Clement, a random-draw winner of the Province’s contest, and Bruce Gilmour, a provincially nominated torchbearer.
Nathan Clement is a young survivor of an acute stroke. His parents were told he would never walk, talk and, most likely, never able to read or write. With the perspective that he has been granted a second chance at life, Clement will carry the Paralympic Flame proudly and will undoubtedly show his remarkable courage.
Bruce Gilmour lost his eyesight at the age of 20, forever changing is life. Thanks to the love and support of his family and friends, Gilmour survived the ordeal and learned to adapt to a new way of life. Gilmour will carry the flame for all Canadian’s who embrace, celebrate and support the values of healthy and active lifestyles – a lifestyle that helped him move forward and become a stronger person.
The Paralympic Torch Relay takes place March 3-12, 2010. The 2010 Paralympic Flame will open the Paralympic Winter Games on March 12, after being part of a 24-hour event in downtown Vancouver. Approximately 1,000 athletes and officials from over 40 countries are expected to take part in the Paralympic Winter Games, concluding in Whistler on March 21, 2010.
Earlier this year, the Province provided Squamish with $20,000, through the Paralympic Torch Relay Community Grant Program, to support tomorrow’s celebration.
Additional information about the contest and the contest winners can be found at www.yougottabehere.ca.
For more information about the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay and the communities involved, please visit: www.vancouver2010.com.
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Media Contact:
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Darren Beaupre Public Affairs Officer BC Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat 250 213-3334
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.
