Photo: Cheryl Gallant, MP with paralympic torchbearer Justine Belair
Ottawa, Ontario… Cheryl Gallant MP, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, was pleased recently to cheer on Justine Belair, as a paralympic torchbearer on Parliament Hill. Justine, who is from Pikwakanagan and is not a paralympic competitor, was selected as a representative of Canada’s Aboriginal communities. Starting from Ottawa, more than 600 torchbearers will carry the flame leading up to the start of the Paralympic Games in Vancouver, March 12th to 21st, 2010.
“The Ottawa valley has been well represented with the festivities associated with the Vancouver games, first with local fiddler April Verch and dancer Erinn Baptiste and now torchbearer Justine Belair,” said Gallant, MP.
Lighting of the Paralympic Flame during a ceremony in Ottawa involves torchbearers who represent each province and territory. This relay is distinct from typical relays as it will happen in and around the Celebration Communities.
“I still feel the burst of patriotism that I felt watching the Winter Olympics when I see the Olympic torch. The Olympics were a tremendous accomplishment we all can be proud of. I am looking forward to sharing the same feeling of national pride watching our paralympians compete,” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP.
The 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay began in Ottawa on March 3, 2010 and concludes at the Opening Ceremony in Vancouver signaling the start of the Paralympic Winter Games on March 12, 2010 where Paralympians from all over the world will unite to celebrate the possible.
The 10-day, 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay will give many Canadians, young and old, a chance to discover the unique and inspiring stories of Paralympians and other Canadians who defy the odds.
The 2010 Winter Games are Canada’s Games and the Paralympic Torch Relay is an important event to connect Canadians to the Games. Through public celebrations, school programs and online, the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay will engage Canadians, and hopefully the world, by demonstrating the fire inside each individual and how it inspires others. It will shine a light on their achievements and celebrate their passion for sports.
