By Tommy Howard

thoward@gtowntimes.com

People from all over the world watched and read about the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada over the past month or so.

The excitement continues now with the opening ceremonies last Friday of the 2010 Paralympics.

The games continue for 12 days and will no doubt be available through many of the same outlets that allowed people to see the winter games.

Here's a message sent out on Friday from the U.S. Olympic Committee.

After reading it, you may want to go to the Web site to see and learn even more about the Paralympics.

Just looking at the photos of the torch relay for the Paralympics can bring a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye, for all that these athletes do and the determination they display.

www.vancouver2010.com

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Three stories. One dream.

Did you know... that your generous donations help fund the U.S. Paralympic Team?

The Opening Ceremony for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games began Friday. For Team USA, these games represent years of endurance and anticipation. Let me introduce three Paralympians who share one inspiring dream.

Alexi Salamone

Adopted from the Ukraine after being born with deformed legs as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Alexi just wanted to be like other kids. Wrestling and sled hockey made that possible. Now years later, Alexi has been named to his second U.S. Paralympic Team.

Heath Calhoun

After losing both legs while serving in Iraq as a squad leader for the 101st Airborne, Heath learned to ski through the Disabled Sports USA Wounded Warrior Project and the Disabled American Veterans Winter Sports Clinic. Paralympic sport became a critical part of his rehabilitation.

His three-year-old son now says, "Daddy, you can run with me again." Heath has been named to the U.S. Paralympic Team and is honored to be the U.S. Flag Bearer for Opening Ceremonies.

Nikko Landerros

A high school wrestler, Nikko and his best friend were hit by a car in 2007. Both boys lost their legs. Shortly after, Nikko toured the Olympic Training Center, visited with Paralympic ambassadors, and was introduced to sled hockey. Today Nikko is a proud member of the 2010 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team.

Three stories. One dream.

For the next 12 days, your U.S. Paralympic Team will compete for gold at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. Please join us in cheering on the extraordinary athletes who make up Team USA!

Charlie Huebner

Chief of Paralympics

United States Olympic Committee