The Whistler’s Village Host Programme invited residents, business owners and fellow staff members to a customer service information session focussing on how to assist people with a disability. Several presentations were made by Chelsey Walker from the Whistler Adaptive Sports Programme as well as Sarah Tipler and Paralympic athlete Brad Lennea. An open session for questions from those attending followed the presentations.

Brad Lennea was an athlete in the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, competing in Alpine Skiing. Lennea was also present in Beijing and offered at the workshop his experience in the Chinese capital with reference to accessibility. He also provided insight into what to expect for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

Community members in Whistler had the opportunity with the workshop to also prepare for the upcoming World Cup event this year. The 2009 IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals take place from 11 to 14 March, and give the community the opportunity to watch the competition in action and get inspired for 2010.

The Village Host Volunteer Programme is a Resort Municipality of Whistler programme with three staff members and 80 volunteers. As resort ambassadors, Village Host volunteers help guests with directions, information about the resort community and the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Whistler accessibility maps are available at the Village Host booth located next to the Village Square, and Village Host staff and volunteers receive ongoing customer service training, including accessibility awareness training.

For more information about events in Whistler, please visit www.whistler.ca.

For more information about Paralympic Winter Sport, please visit www.paralympic.org.