PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS
Two gold medals weighing 75 grams will be presented at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony to two athletes, a male and a female who best exemplify the spirit of the games. This award is for Paralympians who not only achieve sporting excellence, but also exceptionally inspire and excite the world.
On 14 March, on the second day of competition of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, this year's inductees were welcomed to the Paralympic Hall of Fame, presented by Visa. Inductees included Cross-Country skier Tanja Kari (FIN), Alpine skier Chris Waddell (USA), and Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing coach Rolf Hettich (GER). The three inductees were nominated by member organizations of the IPC based on their athletic performance, history of fair play and participation in community service. Kari, Waddell and Hettich then were selected by the IPC's Governing Board.
In the final hours before the Paralympic Cauldron is lit at the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, a flame is lighting up the heart of Vancouver's downtown as it is carried by nearly 300 torchbearers who will share the message of inspiration, determination, courage and equality.