During a ceremony, Sir Philip and Vancouver 2010 chief executive John Furlong called upon Paralympic athletes from
all over the world to compete in Vancouver in March 2010.

Sir Philip said: "I am delighted to invite all Paralympic athletes today to participate in the Winter Paralympics in March 2010.

 

"From what I have seen and heard so far, VANOC's preparations for the Games are moving ahead very well.

 

"We are all looking forward to experience the Games here in Vancouver and Whistler next year and I am sure that Paralympic athletes will once again inspire and excite the world with their performances."

Invitations were symbolically handed over to the Canadian Paralympic Committee, the British Paralympic Association and the Russian Paralympic Committee - the NPCs of the countries hosting the 2010, 2012 and 2014 Games - as well as to the Swedish Paralympic Committee - the country where the first Paralympic Winter Games were held in 1976.

 

All other NPCs will receive their invitations during the Chef de Mission Seminar this week or via postal mail.

 

Around 600 athletes from 45 countries are expected to compete in five sports.
   

Furlong said: "Tonight, we officially welcome the global Paralympic community to Vancouver and Whistler.

 

"We look forward to making the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games a truly memorable experience for Canadians and the world as we come together to celebrate extraordinary athletes and Paralympic Sport."

The Chef de Mission Seminar will continue until tomorrow with delegates from around 30 NPCs as well as IPC representatives participating.

During three days of meetings, the Vancouver 2010 organising committee is presenting updates on topics including qualification, accreditation, sport entries, classification, sport and venues, transport, the Paralympic Village and NPC services.