You Gotta Be Here

1. Margaret Scott says:

   The Olympics and Paralympics are getting closer. A few more weeks and the big hoopla begins. I’m excited about it. I love all the energy that comes with such a major event. I love the mix of people from all walks of life, from all parts of the world. I love the friendly competition. I love that it promotes health and I love that the world will be watching. I have tickets to the grand opening of the Paralympics and I’ve seen little snippets of its preparations on TV. One thing that stays with me is that there will be groups of teens dancing at the event. They’ll have full movement of their legs and arms and will be demonstrating their dexterity. My reaction to this, being a Paralympic event, is that I pause and I smile. I like graceful movements. I like dancing. In fact I’d like to take up wheelchair dancing. The little bit of wheelchair dancing I’ve seen online seems to be passive, like the person in the chair is being carefully manoeuvred around, slow waltz-like, by someone walking. That may be the most feasible scenario in many cases but I’d like to be the aggressor on the dance floor. I’d like to scream across the room in the chair, then spin round in circles, then jump up and flap my hands for my version of the Bird Dance. I’d like to be the quack. I’d like to release all this pent up energy and get a work out all at the same time. Speaking of workouts, there will soon be a new sports facility opening here in Vancouver. Right now they’re calling it the Olympic and Paralympic Centre being that during the games it will provide a curling rink for the Paralympics. After the games, they’ll open the 66,500 square foot aquatic centre with steam room and sauna, and next to that will be the fitness centre with state of the art equipment. In 2011 they’ll open a community centre with full-size gym, aerobics rooms, multi-purpose rooms and more. Sounds absolutely wonderful. Here’s what I’m thinking. . . Set it up for wheelchair sports and fitness. Sure, keep it open to all. The walking can certainly use accessible equipment and they’d surely be welcome to participate in sports like wheelchair basketball. So keep it open to all but set it up, the gym and fitness centre at least, for wheelchair sports. Off the top of my head this means storage facilities for two teams of sports wheelchairs and some hand-pedalled bikes, a service centre to maintain them, a smooth level track outside, an obstacle course inside and out -think in terms of an almost skateboard park. Inside there would be ample room to transfer out of one’s own chair with a secure place to store it and the all the gear that goes along with it. There would be space in the gym, around the perimeter of the game lines, for circulation of people in chairs and their guests. There would be accessible changerooms available, completely separate from the family rooms and within calling distance of staff, maybe even within eyesight of their stations. And certainly there would be accessible bathrooms close by. To make it even better, they’d put in an office for recreational therapists. Here they could organize sports outside the centre, such as para-skiing, rowing, camping, senior’s hiking -even wheelchair dancing. This would be a great opportunity to provide recreation that includes both the abled and the differently-abled. As for equipment in the fitness room, I’d say put in at least ten machines that can be operated from one’s own wheelchair. Put in equipment that’s senior friendly. Have this the place to go for those who, with a little extra help, and/or with the right equipment, can begin to have an impact on their own health and lifestyle. This recreation centre is in the perfect location being that it’s just a few blocks from G.F. Strong Rehab Hospital and it’s in the centre of the city. There’s a huge community of disabled and differently-abled people to serve here. This centre would serve all those who want the ability to be fit and healthy, all those who want more control in their lives and all those who are looking to build and maintain strength. This would certainly be a one big step for all those who aspire to be future Paralympians. This recreation centre could be the best legacy that the Olympics and Paralympics Games leave us. Margaret Scott wcsportscentre.blogspot.com P.S. I'm still hoping to carry the Paralympic torch but haven't been contacted about it. Is it too late? I really don't know so I continue hoping.
2. Margaret Scott says:

   When will those selected to carry the Paralympic torch be notified? I've applied and I'm still hoping. Read about my mission, a wheelchair sportscentre at wcsportscentre.blogspot.com. Last post is about how the Olympic centre at Hillcrest could be a wheelchair sports centre -it's a perfect legacy.
3. You Gotta Be Here says:

   Hi Margaret - We have contacted the successful torchbearers and filled all positions. Your enthusiasm is great! All the best, and we sure hope you can take part in the celebrations in honour of the Paralympic Flame.
4. Suzanne says:

   Perhaps You Gotta Be Here should be announcing that all the winners have been picked for the Paralympic Torch Relay. I have been checking the main page several times daily for weeks and had read "winners will be contacted individually very soon". Only today did it occur to me to check out the news on this blog and find out the winners have been picked. Suzanne
5. Maria Dee Nielson says:

   Hi, do i have a chance to apply as a Paralympic Torch Bearer, this would be just wonderful, It would be truly an honour even for a block. Also this would be a dream come true. Dee
6. You Gotta Be Here team says:

   Hi Maria, Thank you for your interest in the Paralympic Torch Relay. Your enthusiasm, and the spirit of so many others, has been truly inspirational for everyone involved in organizing the event this March. Unfortunately, all torchbearer positions have been filled at this time and there are no plans for introducing more spots in the relay. However, you can still show your spirit and support and hopefully join us at one of the community celebrations taking place between March 3 and 12. As you know, this is our opportunity to celebrate together, inspire each other, and cheer on Canada’s Paralympic athletes. You can find more details about the relay and the Paralympic Winter Games at www.vancouver2010.com.

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