Paralympic torch comes to town.
Paralympian Jeff Adams carries the Paralympic Torch in Nathan Phillips Square Friday afternoon.
Staff photo/NICK PERRY
People from Toronto and the surrounding area continued to show their pride in Canadian athletes when the 2010 Paralympic Torch Relay came to Nathan Phillips Square on Friday, March 5.
The event came while Canadians are still bursting with pride after a record-setting showing in Vancouver, a week before the Paralympic cauldron is set to be lit in the same city.
The square was packed with revelers who cheered and applauded the upcoming games, took in some live music and celebrated the competitors on hand.
Ontario Lieutenant Governor David Onley said the torch relay showcased the true spirit of the Paralympic Games, noting the athletes competing highlight the best elements of human nature.
"It's not what we have had happen to us that's important," he said. "It's what we do with it and how we overcome it."
Toronto was an ideal site for the torch relay, given that the city hosted the first ever Paralympic Games in 1976.
While dignitaries were on hand from all three levels of government, the highlight of the celebration came when the torch made its way around the square, carried by a number of Canada's Paralympic athletes.
For them, the chance to carry the torch presented a chance to bring the games to the fore and bring about new exposure. While Canada has a long history of success at the Paralympic Games, the athletes are often overshadowed by those who compete in the Olympic Games.
"Any chance we have to promote the Paralympics is a good thing," said visually impaired judo athlete Bill Morgan. "Canadians are going to find out very soon how great our athletes are."
Morgan added, in spending time with fellow athletes, Canadian paralympians were able to share stories and be inspired by the immense talent and dedication each of them has shown.
"The torch is symbolic for me," he said. "The flame represents the fire in me and the torch represents everything and everyone who has supported me."
Multiple medalist Jeff Adams, who set the world record in the 800 metre men's wheelchair event in Sydney, Australia, said the national euphoria spawned by the recent Vancouver Olympics will help pave the way for the Paralympics to become better-known.
"We're bringing the Paralympic message of mind, body and spirit to Canadians on the footsteps of higher, faster, stronger," he said.
Adams noted, however, the Paralympics represent an ideal that need not ride on the Olympics' coattails.
"People chasing their dreams see that they're surrounded by excellence every day," he said. "People everywhere are exactly the same. We all face barriers, and having the courage to face them is what defines us all as people."
Paralympian Andrea Holmes said she was looking forward to spreading the word about the games in the days leading up to their opening on March 12. She said she hopes to convey a message not only about the games themselves, but about lifestyle choices for all.
"The torch helps ignite the flame of passion for everyone," she said. "But I want to do as much as I can so everyone knows they have the opportunity to be great and to be active whether they're two or 92."