Students live

Buying the Torch!

2010-03-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

We definitely bought the four hundred dollar Paralympic torch and we called it a gift from our generous valley. We had a tremendous amount of support from everyone! Thank you SO much

Top 16 best thing about my paralympic trip

2010-03-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Now that Ièm back at home and school, everybody wants me to tell them my stories of the Paralympics. A question i often get was my favorite part of the trip. There were so many fantastic parts I couldnèt just pick just one, so, I decided to make a list of my top 16 favorite paralympic moments. Here are the nomeniees.

1.My whole family being down there with me, Mom,Dad, and sister Nat.

2. Being there with my best friend Grace and her family.

3. Carrying the Torch!

4. Opening Ceremonies

5. meeting Rick Hansen

6. meeting Sam Sullivan

7. My aunt Jo, and cousin Steph coming to stay with us for a few days.

8. Doing interview with people and typing them up on my blog.

9. Meeting Jack Oppen

10. Going to Whisler

11. Meeting Bruns family

12. Whisler ski hill

13. Meeting Diane Hollbrook ( a friend of my grandmas that lives in Vancouver

14. Staying at the Sunset inn

15. Being in Vancouver for two weeks

16 Being able to get around with my wheelchair

17. Meeting little jack ( Tracys friend 6 year old son, he is so cute!)

There were so many magical moments that happend juring the Paralympics. I am so honoured to have been there and been able to do all the things I got to do. What a lucky girl i am!

closing ceremonies

2010-03-26T15:06:00.000-07:00

As everything usually does, the Paralympics just had to come to an end. The closing ceremonies were in Whistler on the Sunday night. One of Tracy's friends, Dave Sharpe, worked at the games so it was nice having him with us to help us out a bit It rained at the start of the ceremonies, but right when they started, the weather got really, and the ceremony was wonderful. There were some very inspiring speeches about amazing athlete, dancing and shows. We all got globe that light up and say see you in Soshi. Soshi is in Russia and is where the next Olympics and paralympics will be. I sat at the back and got to see all the medalists come in. One of the American athletes came up to me and showed me her medal. That was cool. i got to talk to her. I felt really special then. It was another amazing night. I cried at the end of it. i couldn't believe it was over. i hated when the cauldron went out! I wanted to yell out, don't do it! Don't de light the torch. I would have given anything to go to just one more sporting event. We have all had an amazing journey these past few weeks. I will never forget this chance in a lifetime.

Peak to Peak Gondola

2010-03-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

While my family and I were staying up, in Whistler, our family got to go up the Peak to Peak Gondola. It is the longest free standing gondola in the world. Its huge. It can fit about 10 people,plus an electric wheelchair. I could take my three hundred fifty wheelchair on their! Plus me was Four hundred fifty. i could get around so easily in Whistler. To get on the gondola people slowed it don for me and i could just wheel on. People there were so helpful, and everything there is so accessible too! Someone would come over to us with a trolley sort of thing that my chair could get on and they'd push me over to the gondola. Then someone would slow it down so i could get on. The ride was beautiful.. We were very high up and we could see the ski hill from far above. It felt scary almost. A gorgeous gondola and ride. Nat even got to go skiing with the Bruns family. How exciting for her! On a huge mountain! Had a great time. What a way to start winding our trip up

Seeinfg the Paralympic Cauldrin

2010-03-23T16:45:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, our family of four went down to see theParalympic Cauldron. It was quite the display. We went up the elevator to see the torch display. Wow. What a sight. We took lots of pictures, and walked around for quite a while. As I was mesmerised by the flame itself, thinking of all the events that has taken place since we arrived in beautiful Vancouver. The backdrop of the mountains and the Pacific ocean. It was A very nice family outing.

Sledge hockey

2010-03-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago, I went with grace to a sledge hockey game. Sweden and Korea were playing. Grace was cheering very very loud. She and I cheered for Sweden and Grace was competing against a lady cheering for Korea. We both had a lot of fun.. The sledge hockey is so upbeat. Music, and cheering, and chants. I loved that! We had a lot of fun! Inspirational as always

curling

2010-03-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

We had another curling game to go to after Whistler. We went as a family.There were no Canadians! We were by the U.S Swiss. There were no Canadians! U.S. beat the Swiss badly! We didn't stay long, but it was it was nice to to show dad how Paralympians curl. When I see athletes in wheelchairs, playing hard, their always winners in my eyes!

Interview with Jack Spinel

2010-03-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

While I was on a bus, heading up to watch the skiing, I met a guy in a wheelchair, Jack Spinel. Jack is in a wheelchair due to a climbing accident. I started talking to him. He and I connected like that. Hes such a nice guy. I thought an interview from a disabled person view would be Perfect!

What is your name?
Jack Spinal

Where are you from?
The Big Island, Hawaii

What brought you to the Paralympics?
Ever since jack was a little boy, going to the Olympics was a big aspiration. But after Jack had his accident, he got more interested in the Paralympics. One day, he just got his family together, and said, we got to go.

Whats your favorite sport to watch? Why
Sit skiing. It looks really hard says jack

What do you think is the biggest difference between the Olympics and the Paralympics
Both are incredible says jack they both take an enormous amount of determination,discipline ,focus.
The Paralympics are more close to Jacks heart. i know what it feels like to have your life spun out of control says Jack. you have to refrain, rebuild. refocus. Its an opportunity to take something that's a challenge, or even tragic, and turn it into a real blessing.

Interview with Allan family

2010-03-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Part of my job as a reporter of the paralympics is to interview people about how their liking the games. While I was staying up at Whistler with the Bruns family, I thought they would make the perfect interview, because they live right by all the skiing action. So after the medal ceremonies, I sat down with them to interview them. Here is what they had to say about the Paralympics.

1. What are all your names?
Tracy Bruns, Justin Bruns, and Tegan Bruns

2.Where are you from?
Whistler B.C

3. What stands out to you most about the Paralympics rather than the Olympics
The spirit of theParalympics, says Tracey. The whole vibe of the town. At the opening we were dancing with all the athletes who are all over.

Tegan says they wont give up even though they don't have an arm or leg
special athletes Tracey says

A lot of things stand out to Justin. The athletes and Just being here is special

4. What is your favorite Para sport to watch
Since there big skiers in whistlers, of course they love the skiing. Some of their favorite types are solemn and downhill because their on the mountain that they ski on

5.What inspires you about the athletes?
They don't give up, they push their limits, They're incredible! says Justin Its pretty exciting says Tracy

Skiing Medals

2010-03-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

After a great day watching the skiing, that same evening, we went to watch the Alpine skiing Medal ceremony with Tracey, Tegan and Justin. It was pretty exciting. Huge antipating crowd. It was so packed we had a hard time figuring out where to watch from! But we eventually found great seats and watched a fantastic Show! Canada won Two gold metals and a silver! A first gold for Canada! Everybody felt so proud, when the Canadian flag rose, and the national anthem was sang by all. Me, I was just proud of anyone who got up there with a disability. I loved how they had different categories for the different disabilities groups had. At the end of the night, we got to see all the medalist walk down an isle to show off their medals! They were SO happy! Waving and Smiling! A great night had by all. A job well done for all Paralympic athletes!

Solem Alpine Skiiing

2010-03-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

While my family and I were staying up at Whistler, we were going to go up to watch the Alpine Skiing. I was most excited about watching this event, because I do ski myself. We took two buses to get down to the event . We got settled in great seats close to the event. The venue is so handicapped accessible. There was a path just for wheelchairs, that easily led you to the seats. The skiers were Awesome. Sometimes I could barely tell they had disabilities. I kept on saying that to my mom. A lot of the skiers had only one leg. I saw one sit skier. All the athletes did amazing. It was very cool to see. Great job everybody!

Whistler!

2010-03-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

Had a great couple days staying up in Whistler. Stayed with some good friends of mom and Dads , Tracey Bruins, and her two great kids Tegan and Justin. What a great Family! Drove up to whistler was stunning. Went up the Sea to Sky highway. A lot of money was pored into to this highway for the Olympics. Wow, is it ever stunning, with its luscious trees going up the highway. I thought Whistler was an expensive place. A little too much for our budget! We had a great two days! Thank youTracey,Justim and Tegan

Disabled Curling Rocks

2010-03-13T21:21:00.000-08:00

Tonight at 6:00, i went to my first Paralympic event, wheelchair curling. I went with my cousin Steph, who's is staying with us for a couple days. Her and I went down to the Paralympic Centre to watch the event. We were both very excited, and very curious. I was supposed to be interviewing athlete, but i didn't know very much about the game, so today I just observed. A lady, Audrey met us outside,to give us our tickets. We got front row seats! The game was great to watch. It was amazing to see people in wheelchairs do the sport, and play this hard! The athletes get to bring their wheelchairs on the ice to play. They get a long pole to throw the puck. It has a hook that clings on to the rock. From there its just played like a able bodied game, throwing the rock into the ring. There were 8 countries, in different lanes. Canada, USA, Sweden, England, Korea, Peru, Czech Republic, and China. They all did very well, and I was excited to be there. Back at curling tomorrow with some interview questions.

Paralympic Torch Bearer Day!

2010-03-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

Today I carried the Paralympic torch...
I was so excited and very nervous! Our day started at 5:30am with a briefing about fifteen other torch bearers. We introduced ourselves and told each other our stories. Then we were given our torch and we were off on our adventure. My family all gathered inside a Starbucks to stay out of the rain. At 7:50am, my best friend Grace was approaching with her lit torch! I was so proud of her! Our torches kissed and then it was my turn to go. Overwhelmed, i headed down the street! I was trying so hard to just enjoying every second of it, and make it last. At the end,i met a very cheerful man, Sam Sullivan, the former mayor of Vancouver. What a nice man he was! Cameras and reporters surrounded me. Apparently i was on the morning news1 Complete strangers were asking for a picture of me, or me next to them. I guess it was because my smile was so big! I'm so glad we bought the torch! Every time I look at that, Ill remember this very special day.
Kate Torch bearer#224

Were here!

2010-03-12T14:45:00.002-08:00

1st full day in Vancouver. I received my cool Torch Bearer uniform and my route I will run while carrying the torch. Wow! 5:30am briefing. That means getting up at the crack of dawn, but that's OK. Grace will be lighting my torch at 7:56am. What a magical day it will be on Robinson Street.
We took a small boat to Granville Market. This city is very wheelchair accessible. Lots of wheelchairs around and really nice people. Better get some rest. Huge day Tomorrow!

2010-03-12T14:45:00.001-08:00

Our Paralympic Trip Begins

2010-03-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow weère on our way to the Paralympics! The adventure begins! Ill keep everyone posted for the highlights of my journey!

Mrs.Horkoff raffle basket

2010-03-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago, before Spring Break, one of the high school teachers, Mrs. Horkoff was raffling off a home made basket. She told me she wanted to help me with fundraising for my big Paralympic trip, so the money that people put in to win the basket went to me. Mrs. Horkoff made it so you write you name on a little piece of paper, and put that into a container with money. On Thursday, she said that I would get to draw the name. She came by my classroom, so i could pick the person. It was Jan Quick! She was delighted! She gave me a big hug and we got our picture taken together. Thank you to Mrs.Horkoff for organizing this and thank you to everyone for your generous donations. Every bit l got us farther!

Sunday Ski, right before the Paralympics

2010-03-07T15:38:00.000-08:00

I got out for another Ski Day! What a beautiful day, and right before I go to the Paralympics ,too. The two ladies that were out there, Fern and Heather. They were with me last time. They learn soo fast about how to maneuver the Sit ski and being the break man. T Katrien was there too. She just had a baby, and she came today I was so glad to ski with her. We went up a new run, outrider. I think that's my favorite, but it was hard for my team because of the terrain. ii was a great day. Shining sun and shining faces.

A great Community!

2010-03-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

Its true that little town doesn't have mall, or McDonald's and all that huge popular stuff, but you know what it does have? A lot of Kind, generous people. Every time you go down town, you gotta run into someone you know. Everyone that I talk to about my Paralympic adventure, either gives me great enthusiasm about what I am doing, or they give me a generous donation. A few people at my school have given me money. A lady who works at our insurance company gave me two more sledge hockey tickets. They were for her, but she couldnt make it, so she gave them to me. Now my whole family can go to that event! The lady who owns the AG Valley Foods Grocery Store gave me a huge check. Thank you everybody! All of you are the ones that will make this amazing experience happen!

Meeting the Sledge Hockey Team Down in Kimberly

2010-03-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

My Paralympic adventure is coming up so soon! I Cant believe it! Anyway, last Sunday, i got to go to Kimberly, to watch a sledge hockey team practise for the Paralympics. I went with Grace, of course, my mom, my sister Nat, and my aunt Jo. Grace brought her family and her aide Sally. Kathy Mccauley joined us, our SET B.C helper. Anyway , the sledge hockey was Amazing! Even though those guys have disability's, they play hard! They bump into the sides, and wipe out just like any other hockey player would. They sit on seats, that kind of remind me of my sit ski. They sit really close to the ground, and use two hockey sticks, one to hit the puck, and one to steer themselves. The goalies shoot out the puck with there knees instead of with a puck. When the game was finished, Grace and I went in little space just out of the Arena, to talk to some of the players. Grace had some interview questions she wanted to ask, and I video taped her. Those guys are huge inspirations! Both of them have lost there legs, one guy to Cancer, and one due to a birth defect. I got to talk to one of them, and he said he has a six year old son! Now, just watching them play, was quite the show, but hearing stuff like that just blows me away! They're sure go getters that's for sure! Right before we left all the players came out, and gave each me and Grace their hockey cards with their autographs on them! This trip is just one of the lucky experience's I will have over the next few weeks. i cant wait!

happy valentines day

2010-02-14T17:53:00.000-08:00

what a great valentines day-full of love,lots of chocolates and a first Canadian gold metal on home snow while hosting the games. Way to go Alex Biluodea your name will go down in Canadian Olympic history.
I loved all the great shots of his inspirational brother Frederic, who has cerebral Palsy. Fredric was determined to stand the whole time in the crowd to cheer on his brother. He was on top of the world.

My best Friend Grace.

2010-02-14T16:50:00.000-08:00

I love and enjoy everything SET B.C. has offered me but the very best gift is my wonderful friendship they introduced to me. Grace Brulotte is my very best friend forever!

Grade seven ski program at Panorama

2010-02-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

it was in the grade seven ski program, two years ago, that I learned to use a sit ski. The ski program is five days up at our beautiful local Panorama ski hill. We get lessons, hanging out in the lodge with friends, and of course lots of skiing fun. J.A. Laird Elementary School, in my home town, Invermere works hard to put this great program together every year. This year, my mom was thrilled to get the opportunity to help out a young autistic boy, Lochlan . it was a challenge forLochan just to be within big crowds, lugging his gear around, and to learn a new sport. One the last day, his mom came up to watch. She took lots of pictures and was very proud. It was an emotional day, as she never thought she would see her son ski. it is a memorable experience that Kirsten and my mom share. His goal of skiing independently with friends was happily fulfilled. What a perfect ending to a perfect program at panorama. I cant wait to share these same feelings with the athletes Im going to meet on my Paralympic journey. Way to go Lochan. Were so proud of you -many adventures await you!

Meeting Luke Donaven

2010-01-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

Today we flew out from Vancouver airport, to Cranbrook. And guess what. Kathy McCauley, the lady that helps us with our technology was there and she said she had a surprise visitor for me. Guess who it was. Luke Donavan! i was very excited. He came all by himself, which i thought was very impressive. I got to ask him more questions about himself. I found out he lives in a kind of centre to get help when he needs it and that he just figured out he actually gets to go to the Paralymics. He wasn't sure if he was going or not because he had to get the OK from his coaches. Then to wrap things up , we all took a group picture with him. What a great surprise.

Last day in Vancouver

2010-01-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

Today is our last day in Vancouver... it was a short trip, boy. But it sure was fun. Even more excited to go to Paralympics now! The meeting was very informative, like i told you before. Short and safe flight back. Glad to be home. See you in a couple weeks, Vancouver!

Last day in Vancouver

2010-01-26T17:27:00.000-08:00

interview with Luke Donavan

2010-01-26T16:51:00.000-08:00

hey, me again,
You know how i told you about that interview i had with that Disabled Skier Luke Donavon Well, here are my questions and the answers I got from him.

What is his name and Disability.
Luke Donavon. He is a Paraplegic. He was paralyzed from the T-10 vertebra after a freestyle miscalculation in Monte St.Anne, Quebec in 2002.

How did he feel when he knew he would get to ski again.
He received the injury at the beginning of the ski season. Didn't get to ski again until a year later. He was on a mission. He wanted to be like all his friends. Sad that he couldn't do what he used to be able to. took him two months to get used to that fact.

How often does he train
5 days a week. Usually in gym,pool and ofcourse on his slopes. He loves to be skiing. He is a ski machine!

How tough are the slopes
Luke has been everywhere! He is not a huge fan of Black Diamond Runs or the Terrain Park. He likes challenging blue runs. Races on Women's Olympic hill. Like to be part of the crowd, no matter how tough the slopesare

How does he feel, knowing he made it this far.
Great. He loves the anticipation of the big journey ahead of him. Not an easy road at all! Lots of tough trainers. Loves meeting all the people. Luke quotes, i never put my tail between my legs, in the face of scary and adverse situations.

Luke's ski goals are:
- Win a race in America
-To stay in top 5 Placings in in this years world cup
-get a gold in the Giant solemn
-Get a podium in Super G.
- And, ofcourse, have fun all year.

Paraylympic meeting

2010-01-25T14:56:00.000-08:00

Today is the day that my best friend Grace and I go to Vancouver for a meeting about the Paralympics We had a 7:00 flight this morning so we stayed over night at Cranbrook and got up at 5:00. We flew to Vancouver and weère staying at a really fancy Hotel. This afternoon we met with Students live and started our meeting. We met in Canada Place and got press passes. Then we went and had a tour . Juring the Paralympics, we will be working there, putting together our projects. Its a beautiful place. I think I am going to feel like an employee , walking in there one a daily basis. YOU CAN EVEN HAVE COFFEE BREAKS. Once again I get more pumped into this exciting event. Now, we our with the whole students live group, at the first place met, and hearing a reporter, Teresa Lalonde, giving a speech. What a day!

wheelin round town

2010-01-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, I had my wheelchair out for the first time since Fall. It felt great to feel the sunshine in my face and cruising on my own. Saw lots of people and of course stopped by our favorite Quality bakery for a snack. Checked out forecast for Vancouver for tomorrow for our big meeting trip, and it going to RAIN,RAIN,RAIN. We better pack our unbrellas

Olympic Torch comes through invermere

2010-01-23T11:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a very exciting day! The Olympic torch came through my home town, (Just one block from my house. Seemed like the whole town was gathered to watch this high energy ceremony. We were dancing, singing, screaming, waving Canadian flags and having SO much fun. The MCs really showed that they were really proud to be Canadian! Then, as we looked behind us, slowly but surly, the torch was making its way through the crowd. Everyone was ecstatic. They clapped and cheered, and even tears were flowing. The town chose a wonderful man, Herman Mauthier to light the cauldron. He had a smile that literately stretched from ear to ear. It was a very emotional day for him. An emotional day for everyone! This event got me siked up for the paralympics. Now i have a pretty good idea what thee nthusiam will be like. There has never been such a big event in Invermere as this and I was proud to be there, to enjoy this breath taking celebration!
bye for now

Check out Students Live WWebsite

2010-01-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

Have you ever checked out the Studentslive website.
This amazing program gives people like me oppourtunities to work on our media skills. in March, myself along with 23 other lucky kids get to be at the olympics- paralympic games to put our skills to work. At this international event I will be interviewing and taking pictures at the Alpine Skiing Paralympics. Three years ago i started skiing, usiing a sitski at Panorama Moutain. i love this sport and canèt wait to meet people who compete. i hope to meet and make lifelong friends. To find out more about this program check out STUDENTS LIVE

Skiing

2010-01-17T18:10:00.000-08:00

Hi there,
Today was my first ski day of the year. I was SO excited to go. The volunteer skiers were Heather Bilodeau and Dave Penner. There were also two new volunteers originally from England. They were all a great help and we were a fantastic team. Skiing is my favorite sport of all time. Its an emotional thing for me to know i can do that, and it will be even more emotional to see and meet others skiers like me. I had a great day. i cant wait to go again two weeks today. i get a tingle in my tummy every time mysitski goes over those huge moguls i love panorama and the conditions were fabulous
Over and out
Kate The Skibunny

2010-01-11T18:38:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody,

My name is Kate Gibbs. I am a fifteen year old lucky girl with Cerebral Palsy. I live in beautiful Invermere, British Columbia, 3 hours from Calgary, Alberta. I am part of a wonderful family including, my Mom, Judy, my Dad, Nick, and my 12 year old Sister, Natalie. Two years ago, all the grade sevens in my school, got to go skiing. And guess what?So did I! I ski in something called a Sit ski. I steer myself, and I have a fantastic ski team to help me. I still ski today. It has become one of my favorite sports. I am so interested in it, that I am going to the Paralympics to report on it. Two years ago, I went to the winter games, funded by a group called Set B.C. with my best friend Grace to report on Wheelchair basketball. It's so inspiring to watch disabled people play sports. They have so much courage and determination. Now, I get to go further with my reporting with the Paralympics. I've been in contact with a paraplegic skier, Luke Donavan, from Cranbrook B.C. He sounds like a neat guy. I am so honoured to be given g a chance like this. I will keep you posted about stuff that comes up, to help me with my journey. Bye for now.