BC Wheelchair Sports Association Supports 2010 Bid January 28, 2003 - BC Wheelchair Sports Association's (BCWSA) Board of Directors unanimously passed a motion to give unconditional support for the efforts of the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation to bring the Paralympic Winter Games and the Olympic Winter Games to Vancouver/Whistler. "We felt that it was important that as an association of over a thousand members, we formalize our support for the bid," says Kathy Newman, Executive Director of BCWSA. "This is the time that we as a sport community get together and back the bid. We will encourage all of our Vancouver members to vote YES on February 22, 2003. The Games are as important economically to the province of BC as they are spiritually. Sport as a whole contributes to the provincial economy in so many ways. It's time to put some infrastructure back into this province." BCWSA is a not-for-profit organization devoted to providing opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities. Since being founded in 1971, the association has worked to provide access to quality programs for athletes with disabilities. This has always been the focus and continues to be what drives the association. In partnership with other Provincial Wheelchair Sports Associations across Canada, BCWSA is dedicated to promoting wheelchair sport and community awareness. BCWSA is an active partner in the Team 2010 Sport Campaign to get the YES vote out. "With everything that's going on in the world it's time for us to support something positive," adds Paralympian Kelly Smith. Smith competed at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics in Athletics. He competed in the 5000m, 10,000m and the marathon. "The Paralympics is an event that celebrates accomplishments, athletic achievements and the human spirit," he adds. All the Paralympic events and training will take place in and around the Resort Municipality of Whistler except for the Opening Ceremonies which will be held in Vancouver. The alpine, sledge hockey and wheelchair curling events will be centred in the village of Whistler and the cross-country and biathlon events will be centred in the new Whistler Nordic Centre in the Callaghan Valley. "I think it's important for all Canadians to back this bid," says Paralympian Marni Abbott who won her third consecutive wheelchair basketball gold medal in Sydney, Australia. "Paralympians are excellent role models for young children. The spirit of the Games promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. The proposed dates for the XXI Paralympic Games are Friday, March 5 to Sunday March 14, 2010. For more information contact: Kathy Newman Executive Director, BC Wheelchair Sports Association Tel: 604.737.3109 Email: knewman@bcwheelchairsports.com