The 1998 Games in Nagano, Japan were the first Paralympic Winter
Games to be held outside of Europe, and helped to enhance the integration of
athletes with a disability and to deepen international goodwill. The Games were
held from March 5 to 14. His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince of Japan
officiated at the Opening Ceremony on March 5.
During the 10 days of competition, a total of 34 events took place across
the four sports: Alpine skiing, ice sledge hockey, ice sledge racing and Nordic skiing. Some 1,146 participants from 32 countries were at the Nagano Games,
including 571 athletes and 575 officials. Norway repeated its success at the
1994 Games by topping the medal table with 18 golds. Germany was close behind
with 14 gold medals, followed by the USA with 13 gold medals.
The Nagano Games clearly demonstrated rising media and public interest in
Paralympic winter sport. A total of 151,376 spectators were recorded during the
Games, including 15,634 for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. A total of
1,468 media representatives (press, cameramen and broadcasters) covered the
Games. The official Games website recorded a total of 7.7 million hits during
the course of the Games, with 1 million hits coming in on the first and second
days of competition.
Source: IPC Website
Canadian Team Highlights – Nagano, 1998
The 1998 Nagano Winter Games welcomed a Canadian team of 31
athletes and 2 guides, sledge Hockey representing almost half of the team with
their 15 players. Canada competed in 3 of the 4 sports : Alpine skiing, ice sledge hockey and Nordic skiing, leaving behind the ice sledge racing
competitions.
The Canadian team won a total of 15 medals, finishing in 15th
position in the final rankings (1 Gold, 9 Silver and 5 Bronze).
The Chef de mission was Patrick Jarvis.
The Opening Ceremony Flagbearer was Bill Harriott.
The Closing Ceremony Flagbearer was Colette Bourgonje.
