One of the final concerts of the Games, Vancouver based band 5440 drew large crowds in Whistler’s Village Square. With more than 2 decades of performing and recording behind them, the band has an unbelievable catalogue of hit songs. Lead by chief songwriter Neil Osborne.
Fans and crowds at a 5440 concert
For both men and women’s alpine skiing there are three categories – standing, sitting and visually impaired. I was lucky enough to be front and center during their medals ceremony and not only did I cry at the ceremony, I cried while editing the photos. Their achievement is so great and their emotions show so much more even than the ‘able bodied’ Olympians (apparently they’re all ‘able’ but in a different way).
Sorry there are so many photos. I just couldn’t miss anyone out.
The party goes on and this guy, who has become known as “Captain Canada”, has been dancing around the village for weeks. Today he was also raising money for WASP – the Whistler Adaptive Ski Program.
Captain Canada raising cash for Paralympians
Today was the paralympic downhill race in Whistler, BC. For both men and women there are three main categories – standing, sitting and visually impaired. For a brief explanation of each read “Leveling the Playing Field“. All I know is that it was amazing to watch.
See the medals ceremony here.
Today I went to the Paralympic medals ceremony in Whistler. Of all of the medalist today (36 in total, covering 12 events) this lady, Solene Jambaque of France, was the most emotional. To watch these people ski and compete when the odds seem to be stacked against them is simply amazing.
Read “Leveling the Playing Field” to get an idea of how someone with two prosthetic legs can compete against someone with one arm missing.
See the medals ceremony here.
Solene Jambague - silver, women's downhill, standing category
After several days of snow the temperature has risen and the lower 2/3′s of the mountain have gone to mush, but the Couloir Extreme on Blackcomb Mountain was in great shape. This is Rob almost at the bottom, skier’s right (looker’s left):
Lookers left of the Couloir Extreme on Blackcomb
This was my latest daily shot yet – 11.15pm after much computer hassles and a day at the office I managed to snag this moose and moon shot!
Moose and moon?
Ok, it’s actually in my living room and the moon is a lamp, but hey, ho it was late!
This was my first experience of a paralympic sporting event and it was quite emotional. It’s too easy to say “I can’t” and these athletes prove that you can, if you put your mind to the task. There was lots of opportunity to try some of the adaptive sports equipment including the biathlon gun for the visually impaired – operated by sound rather than sight. I missed every time!
Colette Bourgonje was the first Canadian Paralympic medalist of the 2010 Games with a silver in the sitting 10k race.
Playing in Whistler’s Village Square, Redeye Empire is a rock-reggae band from Vancouver, British Columbia. Rock, Pop, Reggae and Ska… Redeye Empire blends the best elements of Jack Johnson, 311 and Sublime. Killer musicians with a wicked vibe. Check out their music too.
I’m not sure of the correct spelling but this guy, Bassekou Koyate and his band were fantastic. Part of the Cultural Olympiad during the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games this free concert would have been well worth paying from.
