Vancouver 2010 Paralympic alpine event schedule revised due to forecasted
weather; Sunday March 21 competitions added to Friday/Saturday schedule with
new earlier start times of 10 a.m.

Sunday tickets purchased through Vancouver2010 to be refunded

WHISTLER, BC, March 18 /CNW/ - Given forecasted weather for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games for Sunday March 21, Vancouver 2010 organizers have adjusted the alpine competition event schedule. The new schedule is as follows:

Friday March 19

10:00 - 14:00 men/women super-G * note new start time of 10 a.m.

The order of the classes will be men's visually impaired, men's standing and men's sitting, then women's visually impaired, women's standing, and women's sitting, followed by Victory Ceremonies in venue.

Saturday March 20

10:00 - 12:30/14:00 - 16:00 men/men super-combined * note new start time of 10 a.m.

The order of the classes will be men's visually impaired, men's standing and men's sitting, then women's visually impaired, women's standing, and women's sitting, followed by Victory Ceremonies in venue.

Sunday, March 21

No races Sunday with all scheduled races now moved into the Friday and Saturday competition schedules. Tickets purchased through Vancouver 2010 for Sunday's alpine events will be refunded.

Tickets are still available for Friday's and Saturday's alpine competitions and ticket holders are encouraged to purchase tickets at any ticket box office or by phone at 1-800-TICKETS (1-800-842-5387).

Each alpine competition discipline has its own distinct technical and weather requirements, so race directors have adjusted the race schedule to best align with the forecasted weather for Friday until Sunday. "We're adapting to the forecasted weather conditions and adjusting the schedule to ensure that the athletes are competing on a safe and world class field of play for these final days of competition," said Tim Gayda, VANOC Vice-President of Sport. "We regret the inconvenience this causes to Sunday ticket holders and encourage them to purchase a ticket for Friday or Saturday for what promises to be great sporting moments showcasing the growing spirit of the Paralympic Games in the lead up to Sunday's Closing Ceremonies in Whistler."

The alpine schedule is determined by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC). It is common in alpine skiing for events to be postponed or rescheduled due to weather and race conditions. VANOC and the IPC will continue to monitor the weather and work with the schedule to ensure that all alpine competitions are successfully completed on a safe and optimal field of play.

    
    March 21 downhill session refund information:
    ---------------------------------------------
    -   Affected event account holders will receive refunds following the
        conclusion of the 2010 Winter Games. Refunds will not be issued at
        ticket box offices.
    -   This cancellation and refund will affect approximately
        3,000 spectators. Ticket prices for the event are $15.
    -   Spectators with questions can visit www.vancouver2010.com or call
        1.800.TICKETS.

    More information and updates:
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The official and most up-to-date source for all Vancouver 2010 information, including schedules, results, tickets, and transportation, is www.vancouver2010.com.

French to follow on www.vancouver2010.com.

For further information: Media Contact: VANOC Communications, Tel: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]