MEDIA ADVISORY: Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay Lighting Ceremony:
Ottawa, Ontario

OTTAWA, March 2 /CNW/ - The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay is filled with stories of people who overcome the obstacles and demonstrate the fire within us all to turn a spark into a flame. As Canada's first Paralympic Torch Relay, the relay celebrations prelude the start of the first-ever Paralympic Winter Games held in Canada.

Media are invited to attend any or all of the following three important events that demonstrate and celebrate the power of sport and community.

VANCOUVER 2010 PARALYMPIC TORCHBEARER BRIEFING

Come and meet the first 16 torchbearers and their families who will carry the Paralympic Flame in Ottawa. A representative from each province and territory as well as special Paralympic Torchbearers selected by VANOC, the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) and a representative from the Aboriginal community have been selected as the first Canadian Paralympic Torchbearers to participate in the first-ever Paralympic Torch Relay Celebration in Canada.

    
    Tuesday, March 2, 2010
    6:00 p.m.
    Crowne Plaza, 101 rue Lyon Street, Ottawa, ON
    

VANCOUVER 2010 PARALYMPIC TORCH RELAY FLAME CREATION CEREMONY

Media are invited to an intimate ceremonial creation ceremony for the Paralympic Flame that will burn during Ottawa's celebration. This ceremony, involving local Aboriginal representatives, will include a special ceremony and blessing of the Paralympic Flame.

    
    Wednesday, March 3, 2010
    8:00 a.m.
    Victoria Island, Ottawa, ON
    

VANCOUVER 2010 PARALYMPIC TORCH RELAY LIGHTING CELEBRATION

The first celebration of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay will take place in the nation's capital and involve many prominent torchbearers and dignitaries.

    
    Wednesday, March 3, 2010
    10:00 a.m.
    Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON

    Participating:

        James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
        Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport)
        Mary McNeil, Minister of Act Now BC
        Vancouver Mayor Gergor Robertson
        Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed
        International Paralympic Committee President Sir Philip Craven
        Canadian Paralympic Committee President Carla Qualtrough
        VANOC CEO, John Furlong
    

For further information: Chris Shauf, Vancouver 2010 Torch Relay Team, Tel: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]