The 2008 Paralympic Games Torch Relay will take place between August
28 and September 6, 2008 in the People’s Republic of China. Canadian
torchbearers will participate on September 5 or 6 in Beijing. The
Resort Municipality of Whistler will select two torchbearers, the
Canadian Paralympic Committee will select four torchbearers, and the
remaining four torchbearers will be selected by the City of Vancouver.
Each organization will have its own selection process: full details on
each partner’s process will be available on their individual websites.
“We are extremely pleased that BOCOG has provided this opportunity for
Canada to be involved in the torch relay,” said Vancouver’s Mayor Sam
Sullivan. “It is a true honour and we thank BOCOG for this invitation.”
"We are all incredibly proud to be co-hosting the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler," said Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed. "And the added opportunity to participate in the 2008 Paralympic Torch Relay will help to build even more awareness and excitement around Paralympic sport in our communities and across the country."
Torchbearers are to be selected based on the following criteria set out by BOCOG:
• Uphold the Olympic and Paralympic spirit and dedicate themselves to the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.
• Support the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
• Be distinguished for remarkable feats in their profession or
community, or for a personal story that serves to inspire or motivate
fellow citizens.
• Be generous and dedicated to community service.
• Be distinguished for contributions to the Olympic or Paralympic
cause, or for extraordinary performance at the past Olympic Games or
Paralympic Games.
“The 2008 Paralympic Torch Relay will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 10 fortunate Canadians to celebrate our country and our Paralympic athletes in Beijing,” said Carla Qualtrough, the President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.
All travel, accommodation and meals for torchbearers will be covered by BOCOG, based on travel originating in Vancouver.
For more information on how to apply to be a torch bearer or to nominate someone, visit www.paralympic.ca and follow the links. The City of Vancouver (vancouver.ca) and Resort Municipality of Whistler (whistler.ca) will also have application packages available on their websites next week.
