Paralympics – Day One

Wow, where to start with this day….we had a breakfast meeting to cover between the IOC and the IPC chairmen, then a presentation at BC Place Stadium, a press conference at Robson Square, a Governor General’s Reception back at BC Place followed by the Games’ Opening Ceremony then a late night VIP dinner banquet at the Vancouver Club. Phew, what a day! The highlight was definitely the Opening Ceremony which I got to view from the President’s Box. A fantastic view of a very beautiful and moving event.

Here are a few favs of the day.

IOC President Jacques Rogge with IPC President Sir Philip Craven.

Sir Philip Craven presenting Chantal Petitclerc with the USSA award.

The boys! Sir Philip Craven, PM Stephen Harper, Premier Gordon Campbell and Sam Sullivan.

The boys with Governor General Michaelle Jean.

Speeches at the Governor General’s reception.

Susannah and I did not have the courage to ask the PM or Governor General for a photo op so Susannah found a very tall mountie instead.

On to the Opening Ceremony…..

These next two photos are the Chiefs of the Four Host First Nations of Lil’wat, Musquam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh.

Here’s Sumi!

The NZ team! Yay!

And the Canadian team.

Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli was amazing break dancing. Took my breath away.

The athletes.

A choir performing with Nikki Yanofsky.

Lloyd Robertson spoke about Terry Fox and his amazing achievement.

Terry Fox’s parents, Betty and Rolly carried the torch into the stadium.

The flame was lit by Zach Beaumont, a 15-year-old snowboarder who had his right leg amputated as a baby and who hopes to compete one day. This brought to a close the wonderful celebrations.

On to the reception at the Vancouver Club. I won’t show the VIPs here, but here is the wonderful reception room where dinner was held.

A souvenir pin collection.

That’s a very brief overview of the prelude to the Games. Tons more to come in the next 10 days!