Catching the Paralympic spirit

The 2010 Winter Paralympic Torch Relay kicked off in Ottawa on March 3, and Stephenville's Erica Noonan represented Newfoundland and Labrador as the province's official relay torchbearer.

"It was a huge honor to be chosen to carry the Paralympic flame and represent Newfoundland and Labrador in the torch relay," said Ms. Noonan. "This is the first ever Paralympic torch relay in Canada, so being a part of this event made it even more special."

She said it was thrilling to be around so many paralympic athletes and supporters.

"Every province and territory had an amazing representative and it was a thrill to meet them and hear their stories," she said. "Rick Mercer, originally from Newfoundland but representing British Columbia, was among the first 16 torch bearers. It was exciting to meet him and hear about his involvement with the Paralympics."

Ms. Noonan also had the opportunity to check out some of the sites while in Ottawa.

"This was my first time in our nation's capital and it was a very exciting two-day trip," she said. "While I was in Ottawa I got to see Parliament, where the torch relay took place, and a bit of downtown. It is such a beautiful city and made a great setting for the official lighting ceremony of the 2010 Paralympic Games."

Ms. Noonan is a lifelong athlete and a three-time 2009 Canada Games silver medalist in swimming.

"I was born missing my right arm below the elbow, and never let that stop me from involving myself in different sports throughout my life," she said.

Presently attending her second year at Memorial University, Ms. Noonan said she is considering a degree in Primary or Elementary Education while keeping up with her athletic pursuits.

"I am also swimming with Memorial's swim team under the coaching of Brad Hutton," she said. "Currently, I am training for the Spring Can-Am SWAD meet in San Antonio, Texas."

This March 25 meet will also be the trials for the Canadian team competing in the 2010 International Paralympic Committee World Championships in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

"My long term goal is to attend the 2012 Paralympic Games and represent Newfoundland and Labrador in swimming," she added.

Beginning in Ottawa, the ten-day relay visited several sites before arriving at BC Place in Vancouver for the opening of the games on March 12.

Terry French, the province's minister of tourism, culture and recreation, issued a statement congratulating Ms. Noonan for being selected as one of the 600 relay torchbearers.

"Not only are the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games about celebrating the remarkable performances of our country's dedicated paralympians, they also recognize the importance of the paralympic movement," said Minister French.

"As Ms. Noonan carries the flame in our nation's capital, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will be cheering her on and taking pride in all of our parathletes, both past and present."

For more information on the Paralympic Games, which run until March 21, visit www.vancouver2010.com.

editor@thegeorgian.ca