The Paralympic Games
March 12-21, 2010
As the first ever Paralympic Games to be held on Canadian soil, the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will be remembered for their incredible athleticism,
inclusiveness and sense of camraderie among the athletes, visitors and residents of Whistler. Canada broke records with a whopping 19 medals,
10 of them gold.
Paralympic competitions that took place in Whistler included alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and biathlon. The
Closing Ceremony wrapped up at Whistler Medals Plaza and the Paralympic flag was handed over to Russia, home of the next Paralympic Winter
Games in 2014.
Paralympic Alpine Skiing
Experience the thrill of watching Paralympic alpine skiers race down Whistler Mountain at speeds of more than 100 kilometres per hour while
travelling down a vertical drop that ranges from 120 to 800 metres. Their athleticism and commitment is truly inspiring. Alpine skiing events
include Downhill, Super-G, Giant slalom, Slalom and Super Combined. Location: Whistler Creekside
For more information, see Vancouver2010.com.
Paralympic Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon
For exciting exhibitions of stamina and strength, catch the Paralympic cross-country skiing and biathlon competitions set against the
stunning backdrop of snowy peaks and breathtaking vistas of the beautiful Callaghan Valley. Paralympic cross-country competitions include
men's and women's individual events with distances ranging from 2.5 to 20 kilometres; athletes compete in either short-distance biathlon or
long-distance biathlon. Whistler Olympic Park
For more information on Paralympic Cross-Country Skiing see
Vancouver 2010.com
or for Paralympic Biathlon, more information can be found here.
Accessible Whistler
Whistler's mandate is to proactively ensure the Resort is as accessible as possible for the disabled. From designated parking spaces to the
community's public bus service and local taxi company, there are numerous ways to get around Whistler as a disabled person. Many of
Whistler’s hotels offer special facilities for travellers with disabilities.
Recreation facilities in Whistler include many options for people with disabilities:
- Meadow Park Sports Centre has a weight room and stretching area accessible by elevator and the lap pool is equipped with a chair lift.
- Wheelchairs and sledges are welcome on Meadow Park’s ice rink.
- In the winter, the trails around Lost Lake are groomed for Nordic sit-skiing and cross-country skiing.
- During warmer months, the Valley Trail is ideal for wheelchairs, hand cycles and tandem bikes.
Visit http://www.whistlerforthedisabled.com/ for further information.