Paralympics – Day Ten (Part Two)

I started the Day in Whistler Village. In the morning I checked out the Whistler Olympic Celebration Plaza Inclusive Playground. This playground is one of three showcase inclusive playgrounds built in Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler and has great accessibility for the disabled. This is part of the concept of “legacy” which the Games strives to implement – making a positive impact on the future.

Next on the agenda was HRH Prince Edward’s tour of Whistler Village with Mayor Ken Melamed.

Prince Edward then joined Sir Philip Craven and other ICP members for lunch.

In the afternoon there were presentations of the Paralympic Order Medal to four people, honouring their commitment to the success of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler. 2010 award recipients were John Furlong, CEO of the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee (VANOC), Jack Poole, late Chairman VANOC Board of Directors, Rusty Goepel, Chairman VANOC Board of Directors, and Dena Coward, VANOC Paralympic Games Director.

Jack Poole’s Medal was accepted by his wife Darlene. By chance, March 21 was Darlene and Jack’s wedding anniversary, so what better way to honour the man who had so much to do with getting the Olympics and Paralympics to Vancouver and Whistler.

Next Susannah arrived in Whistler from the end of the Cross-Country Skiing in time for the Athlete’s Parade – the prelude to the Closing Ceremony. Mr Japan came with her

Mr Canada also made an appearance.

A group of RCMP led the Parade.

While the athlete’s were parading, the Plaza was filling up. It was a rainy and cold, but spirits remained high.

Then the athletes entered the Plaza. Here’s Adam Hall from New Zealand! (Yes, I was looking out for him).

Here’s Greg Hartung, President of the Australian Paralympic Committee taking a cellphone shot of the Australian Team as they enter while an Aussie athlete takes a shot of him.

Once athletes were seated we were treated with some fabulous entertainment, including First Nations traditional Hoop Dancing by Lil’Wat Nation member Alex Wells and Throat singing by Inuit artist Tanya Tagaq and a traditional Inuit blanket toss.

Here’s ICP Chairman Sir Philip Craven, PM Stephen Harper and Premier Gordon Campbell enjoying the show.

VANOC chairman John Furlong speaking.

Chantal Kreviazuk sang a beautiful song while images from the Games played on screen.

This is the presentation of the Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award to two athletes. This award is named after South Korean Dr. Whang Youn Dai, the forefront advocate for persons with disabilities for over 50 years. She has dedicated her life for the development of Paralympic Sport around the world. This year’s recipients were Takayuki Endo of Japan and Collette Bourgonje of Canada and the awards were presented by Dr Whang Youn Dai herself.

Sir Philip Craven’s speech involved an acknowledgement of First nations involvement in the Games. Then he declared the 2010 Games closed and the Paralympic flag was lowered.