Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan today welcomed a proposal to promote Vancouver as a possible host of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games Torch Relay. A formal motion will be introduced to Vancouver City Council this month by Councillor BC Lee.
“Hosting the 2008 Paralympic Games torch relay could help promote Vancouver as one of the most accessible cities in the world,” said Mayor Sullivan. “In addition to promoting tourism, the torch relay will also help build community spirit in advance of 2010. I want to congratulate Councillor Lee for his work on this file.”
Councillor Lee’s motion will resolve Vancouver to express interest to the Beijing Organizing Committee of Olympic Games in being considered as a candidate to host the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Torch Relay. It proposes a general assessment of local resources required and organizational responsibility.
“We are very proud to fly the flags of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games together at City Hall,” said Councillor BC Lee. “Having the 2008 Paralympic torch relay in Vancouver will be a significant national and international event. I want to invite my Council colleagues to support this idea.”
Councillor Lee’s motion will also resolve to work with other Olympic stakeholders including the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia, Canadian Paralympic Committee, VANOC, Four Host First Nations and the Resort Municipality of Whistler on this proposal.
Backgrounder – PARALYMPIC TORCH RELAY
Draft Motion
MOVED by Councillor B.C. Lee
SECONDED by Mayor Sam Sullivan
WHEREAS:
- The Beijing Organizing Committee of Olympic Games (BOCOG) is planning to hold an unprecedented 2008 Paralympic Games Torch Relay which will be carried out both in China and abroad; and
- Vancouver is the host city of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2010, and that Vancouver is the first Olympic Host City in Olympic history to display both the Olympic and Paralympic flags side by side; and
- The Province of British Columbia in partnership with 2010 Legacies Now announced a new $1.1 million Accessible Tourism Initiative; and
- People with disabilities spend an estimated $13 billion per year in North America on travel; and
- Vancouver is credited as, and continues to strive to be the most accessible city in the world, and
- Mayor Sam Sullivan has proclaimed to continue to make Vancouver the most inclusive and accessible city in Canada, and
- Being one of the host cities of the 2008 Paralympic Games Torch Relay will raise worldwide awareness of our effort and accomplishment in accessibility as well as our hosting of the 2010 Olympic and Winter Paralympic Games,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
That Council direct staff to actively express our interest in being considered as a candidate to host the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games Torch Relay in Vancouver and engage in discussion with BOCOG to determine the responsibility for organizing and the resources required for Vancouver to host the torch relay while it is in Vancouver and report back to Council for approval,
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED
That Council direct staff to engage related partners including the Federal and Provincial Governments, Canadian Paralympic Committee, VANOC, the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Four Host First Nations to work in partnership with the City on this proposal.
