Canada’s Paralympians put in a number of stunning performances to pick up 19 medals, 10 of which were gold, and finish third in the medal table.

The highlights for the host nation included Vancouver’s own Lauren Woolstencroft (pictured) picking up an astonishing five gold medals in each of the five disciplines she competed and visually impaired skier Brian McKeever claiming three gold medals.

These performances, which captured the attention of the media and public across Canada, are now set inspire a generation of Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport, the CPC have claimed.

CPC chief executive officer Henry Storgaard said: "Our goals for these Games were recognition, recruitment and investment and we achieved all of those.

"Thanks to the incredible performances of our athletes, and the unprecedented media and television coverage, public response to these Games has shown there is an interest in Paralympic sport.

"Our goal now is to work with our members, athletes, Government and sponsors to keep the interest alive - for the benefit of our Paralympic athletes, as well as all Canadians with a disability."

The CPC also received a double funding boost during the Games.

The organisation announced that they will receive $10 million (£6.5 million) in funding from the Federal Government while long-term partner Pfizer revealed its intention to extend its 14-year sponsorship for another five years when its current agreement runs out after the London 2012 Paralympic Games. 

A record 165 Canadian media were accredited by the CPC for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games and during the 10-days for the Games, an average of 13.6 million Canadians tuned in to watch.

CPC president Carla Qualtrough said: "As a result of the coverage of these Games more Canadians with a disability than ever before are aware of the opportunity to play sports.

"This legacy of greater awareness will lead to greater participation and inclusion in local, provincial and national sport programs - critical if Canada is to continue to create Paralympic champions

"And, the benefits of greater awareness will be seen far beyond sport.

"Seeing Paralympians compete in high performance international sport has challenged preconceptions of disability and will change attitudes for the benefit of persons with a disability in all walks of life."

Following the Games, the CPC will now work with its members and partners to develop programmes and opportunities dedicated to increasing participation in sport by persons with a disability.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]