Municipal Hall

March 8, 2010 / 4:00 PM

The Paralympic Torch Relay, presented by Coca-Cola, RBC, the Province of BC and the Government of Canada, will visit Maple Ridge on March 10 offering free family fun and a unique opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the Winter Paralympic Games.

"This is an exciting opportunity for Maple Ridge. Hosting the Paralympic flame just two days before the Opening Ceremonies is a once in a lifetime event," said Kyle McLellan, Co-Chair of Maple Ridge's Paralympic Torch Relay Committee. "The spirit of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games is evident in the hearts of Maple Ridge residents. We witnessed them show their community and nation's pride over the last month, and the Paralympic Torch Relay will build on that excitement and passion."

A fire creation ceremony led by the Kwantlen First Nation at Fort Langley precedes the Paralympic Torch Relay kick off at 6:30pm at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge. As the Paralympic flame has no ancestral home, the flame is created for each celebration event and is extinguished at the end of the community event.

The torch relay takes place around Memorial's Peace Park's ring road. Thirty-one torchbearers will carry the flame, culminating with the lighting of the cauldron.

While the torch relay is underway, the park will be filled with fun family oriented activities. Participants will have the chance to try wheelchair curling, courtesy of the Golden Ears Curling Club, as well as sledge hockey at the RBC activation tent. Presenting partners RBC and the Province of BC will have activities such as an eco home, and an opportunity to get your picture taken with the Paralympic torch. The local Kiwanis Club and Salvation Army will be on hand to provide event refreshments. Activities for children include sport related crafts, and a special visit from Sumi, the Paralympic Mascot.

Throughout the torch relay, live entertainment from local performers such as Danielle Foulds, Tiller's Folly, the Joe Fernandes Band, and West Coast Contortionists and Acrobatics will take place on stage.

This spring break, bring the whole family to enjoy the festivities of the Paralympic Torch Relay as it makes its way to Vancouver.

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Media Contact:
Kyle McLellan
604-377-4027
ksmclellan@gmail.com

Background - Event Entertainment Bios

Danielle Foulds is a 20 year old singer and song writer with a gift for heartfelt lyrics. People have described her originals as being wise beyond her years and easily relatable. Danielle has recorded alongside Keith Scott and performed at numerous fundraisers and high profile events, including the 2009 BC Disability Games Opening Ceremonies.

Tiller's Folly are the Pacific Northwest's internationally traveled, virtuosic ambassadors of song. For thirteen years they have spread their memorable blend of energy, history, musicality, romance, and just plain fun. With seven CD's to their credit, Tiller's Folly continues to expand and refine their potent mix of Celtic influenced Canadiana, Americana 'and beyond'.

The Joe Fernandes Band also known as "Dr. No", has been entertaining crowds for over 10 years now. Whether you want to rock and roll to your favourite hits, or pull out those cowboy hats and do a little two steppin' this band will get the party going.

West Coast Contortion & Acrobatics is a professional performance troupe based out of Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Their unique shows offer one of a kind live entertainment featuring contortion, dance, acrobatics and aerial silks through the use of original music, visuals and costumes.