2010 Paralympics

Alpine skiing is proving to be one of the most watched events for the 2010 Paralympics, and has been practiced in the European Alps for over one hundred and fifty years. It adapts cross country skiing techniques to be used on significantly steeper slopes, and alpine skiers use slightly wider skis in order to maintain a higher level of control. Alpine skiers also use their poles differently, as well as use different turning techniques in order to match the different terrain of the steep mountains. The bobsleigh is a popular sport at the 2010 Paralympics, and is divided into three separate events – the standard bobsleigh, the skeleton, and the luge. All three originally come from the practice of using a sled to slide down slopes in order to travel greater distances more efficiently, and has been in practice for more than seven hundred years. Standard bobsleigh can include two or four team members, whereas a luge carries only one or two. Skeleton sliding is similar to Cresta sledding, but the two should not be confused. Although their equipment is similar, skeleton sledders are not allowed to use braking or steering devices on their sleds, and share their tracks with bobsledders and lugers. This lack of braking and steering has made the skeleton a somewhat notorious sport in terms of adrenaline seeking and face pace. Other sports that will be hosted at the 2010 Paralympics include cross-country skiing, figure skating, curling, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, snowboarding, speed skating, and even wheelchair curling. These various events have attracted people from all over the globe to compete, and there are others that will attract even more. The various events being hosted at the 2010 Paralympics are all designed to take advantage of Vancouver’s unique climate and weather, and the city should be ready in November to take on the responsibility of hosting the next set of games. If you love snow sports, be sure to tune in.