Canadian Paralympic Committee celebrates 10-year anniversary of Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games
Ottawa, March 12, 2020 – Ten years ago today, Canada
welcomed the world’s best winter Para athletes, as the Vancouver 2010
Paralympic Winter Games officially kicked off with the Opening Ceremony.
A total of 502 athletes from 44 countries competed
for places on the podium throughout 10 days of competition across
Vancouver and Whistler.
The Canadian Paralympic Team was represented by 55 athletes and finished
third in the medal standings, with 10 gold, five silver, and four
bronze medals. At the time, it was Canada’s best-ever performance at a
Paralympic Winter Games (it was eclipsed at PyeongChang
2018, where Canada captured 28 medals) and it remains the nation’s
highest gold medal mark at a single Winter Games.
Vancouver 2010 was the first time Canada hosted a Paralympic Winter
Games, and the first time it hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games
together in the same city and same venues, with the same organizing
committee (Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010
Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games).
“Vancouver 2010 was a phenomenal example and steward of inclusion and
gave our incredible Paralympic athletes a chance to shine and share
their stories with Canadians like never before,” said Marc-André Fabien,
president, Canadian Paralympic Committee. “The
Paralympic Movement has progressed so much in the ensuing 10 years, and
today Canada is a leader internationally not just on the field of play,
but by helping to change perceptions and make the world more inclusive.
We look forward to seeing that growth continue
for many decades.”
There were many unforgettable moments of triumph, joy, and determination
in the face of obstacles and pressure that will live in Canadian
Paralympic lore. The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games took place
from March 12-21 and the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s
digital channels will be celebrating moments from the Games every day
for the next 10 days.
Don’t miss a moment by following us at:
Paralympic.ca
Twitter.com/CDNParalympics
Facebook.com/CDNParalympics
Instagram.com/CDNParalympics
ATHLETE QUOTES
Para nordic skier Colette Bourgonje, in her ninth Paralympic
Games (summer and winter combined), was the first Canadian to win a
medal at the Games:
“Competing in the first Paralympic Winter Games in Canada’s
history was a dream come true. Being the first athlete to medal was a
magical moment shared with family, teammates, friends, and a super
supportive country. I’m so proud to be Canadian.”
B.C. native Josh Dueck made his Paralympic debut and came away with a silver medal:
“To witness and be a small part of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games was
an incredible privilege and honour. This monumental occasion helped
define who we are
as Canadians, from coast to coast to coast, and brought us closer
together.”
Para alpine skier Lauren Woolstencroft won five gold medals in Vancouver:
“The Vancouver 2010 Games was an experience I will never forget. Having
the opportunity to compete at a home Games was a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity and I never thought
I would come away with five gold medals. It was a privilege to compete
for Canada in Vancouver and to be a part of Paralympic history, and I
hope that I helped to inspire more people to push towards their own
goals.”
– 30 –
About the Canadian Paralympic Committee: Paralympic.ca
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Louis Daignault
Senior Coordinator, Communications
Canadian Paralympic Committee
ldaignault@paralympic.ca / 613-297-1455
Martin Richard
Executive Director, Communications & Brand
Canadian Paralympic Committee
mrichard@paralympic.ca
W (613) 569-4333 x224 | F (613) 569-2777 | C (613) 725-4339