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Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games The world’s best athletes with a disability will compete in the 10th Paralympic Winter Games from March 12 – 21, 2010. The Paralympic Games Numbers;
- 1,350 athletes and team officials
- Up to 45 nations will compete
- 5 sports – Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross Country Skiing, Ice Sledge Hockey and Wheelchair Curling
- 4 competition venues - in Whistler: Whistler Creekside, Whistler Paralympic Park
- 64 medal events – the Alpine and Nordic events have three classifications within each event (sitting, standing and visually impaired)
- 10 days of competition
- 250,000 tickets
- 5,000 volunteers
- 1,300 media and broadcasters are expected
VANOC’s Goals and Commitments to the Paralympic Games:
- To raise the bar for the Paralympic Movement and the Paralympic Games
- To provide unprecedented exposure for the athletes and the Games
- To create a legacy of accessibility at all competition venues.
- The 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will embrace the small town spirit, big city facilities and world class exposure
For the organizers it is important to maintain the “buzz” during the Paralympic Games – keeping the passion and excitement alive inside and outside the competition venues.
- World class facilities have been built for the athletes to compete in with a focus on accessibility
- Opportunity for world wide exposure – showcase how accessible our communities are, great initial international exposure for the accessible tourism initiative.
Unique to the Paralympic Games
- 80% of the spectators will come from the lower mainland, international spectators will be mostly parents / family of the athletes, some sponsors, and NPC guests
- Full venues are a true motivator for the athletes competing
- NO stand alone Olympic rings should be displayed during the Paralympic Games
- Opening Ceremony in Vancouver, Closing Ceremony in Whistler
- Smaller venues / no mag and bag or vehicle screening going into competition venues
- Engagement of school children especially during weekday / day time events
- Increase number of spectators with a disability attending the events – opportunity to train businesses in disability awareness and create a legacy for post Games
- Tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis (no lottery)
Challenges
- Continuing the momentum from the Olympics into the Paralympic Games
- Ensuring all clients have the same quality of experience
Business Opportunities
- Is your business accessible by people with all kinds of disabilities? Market your business accordingly through websites, decals, rating icons! Update your business profile in the Chamber's member directory and contact Tourism Whistler. Train your staff to help customers with a disability.
Download a factsheet on Improving the Accessibility of Your Business.
- Consider selling Paralympic merchandise! Contact 2010 licensees directly. For more merchandising information, click here.
- Include Paralympic items in your business decoration, e.g. equipment, pictograms, etc.
- VANOC procures for the Olympic and Paralympic Games at the same time. There will only be a few special procurement opportunities for the Paralympic Games.
- Patrick Roberge Production Services coordinates the Paralympic Closing Ceremony. Potential contractors should contact his company.
- Members of the Olympic Family, e.g. Paralympic sponsors and nation houses, will be looking for hosting venues during Games time. Think about "adopting a nation". More information to follow.
- Additional conference business will be coming to Whistler during the Paralympic Games.
- Lastly, give yourself and your team time and opportunities to ENJOY the Games!
Important Links Paralympic Games in March 2010 (VANOC) Accessibility during Games time (VANOC) Whistler for the Disabled
Whistler Adaptive Sports Program
General information on Accessible Tourism For more information on the Paralympic Movement, go to:
History of the Paralympic Games
Canadian Paralympic Committee
International Paralympic Committee
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