TAN – The Afro News

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games was topped off with a spectacular closing ceremony at Whistler that was designed to not only thank the volunteers, known as Smurfs but also the true meaning of “sport” that was displayed by the Paralympians in Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Ice Sledge Hockey and Wheelchair Curling events.

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Canada’s Ice Sledge Hockey Team

Ice Sledge Hockey (ISH) requires extreme atheletic abilities and is very exciting to watch live.  The best website to go to is http://www.paralympics.ca where it is possible to download PODCASTS of interviews and LIVE FEED of various sports by going to the News and Events and go to Paralympic Sports TV AND go to Canada’s National Sledge Team and the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games site:  www.hockeycanada.ca.

The GOLD metal game is on March 20^th at UBC Thunderbird Stadium.  It is a fast paced high-energy game that requires immense coordination and balance as the Paralympian is sitting on a double bladed sharp skate, has two sticks in each hand to use for both throwing the puck that they in fact can pass under their sledge AND on the ends of the sticks is a spike they can dig into the ice to move forward.  Each period of the game is 15 minutes long rather than 20 minutes. Up at Whistler Village there is a demonstration booth where you can sit in a Sledge and try to score a goal.  Not so easy!

VIVIAN FOREST WINS ANOTHER METAL FOR CANADA WITH GUIDE LINDSAY DEBOU– FINISHING WITH A BRONZE IN THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED GIANT SLALOM COMPETITION.  After this race Vivian required medical attention due to an earlier groin injury but this amazing athlete powered through pain which she describes on scale of 1 to 10; an 8! Forest said: “Going through all that pain was very difficult”  As far as she is concerned this third place finish is GOLDEN to her.  Jean-Francois Rapatel, the alpine team leader characterized Forest as “one tough cookie”.

Every evening up at Whistler at the Dubh Linn Gate – Irish Pub – in the Pan Pacific Hotel Mountain Side is the official Paralympian Hang-Out that gives you a chance to meet Athletes and individuals that make it all happen. Beyond 2010 Games Whistler Adaptive Sports Program http://www.whistleradaptive.com is an non-for-profit organization with a mandate is to provide year-around Alpine recreational programs for people of all ages with disabilities locally with a global reach.  So far, the Dubh Line Gate has raised over $3,000.00.  St. Patrick’s Day yesterday the place was really hopping.  The Steak and Guiness Pie was hardy, tasty and filling.!

LAUREN WOOLSTENCROFT wins her SECOND WOMEN’S GOLD on Canadian soil in the Alpine Skiing – GIANT Slalom – Standing.

Remember there is a METAL CEREMONY FOR EVERY METAL WINNER OF THE DAY IN WHISLER WHICH IS FREE AND IS FOLLOWED WITH LIVE MUSIC.  CTV HAS FINALLY AGREED TO BROADCAST THE CLOSING CEREMONIES ACROSS CANADA.