The 30 Minute Rule begins January 16 at 7:00 PM EST. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By January 16 at 6:00 PM EST To Participate After 6:00 PM EST
Two official relay torches from the WhyNot Marathon, the first Canadian Marathon for the Paralympics, which started on May 27, 1996, and covered more than 11,000 kilometers and 700 communities before concluding on July 24, 1996; the WhyNot Marathon torch was presented to members of Canada's Paralympic Team in Atlanta the following month's Summer Games. The torches, which closely emulate that of the official 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics torch, are comprised of brass with a maple handle, both measure 24″ in length, and are emblazoned on the handle with emblems for the Rotary Clubs of Canada, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons. The torch bowls bear affixed “WhyNot” labels and contain their original used fuel canisters with wicks. Both torches bear evidence of use.
The lighting of the Eternal Flame of Hope at Metro Square in Toronto marked the beginning of the two-month WhyNot Marathon that celebrated the achievements of disabled people. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians participated as marathoners, torchbearers, sponsors, fundraisers, volunteers, and enthusiastic supporters. In all, there were over 8,000 torch carriers, 150,000 runners, 300 Rotary Clubs, 12,000 Rotarians, 7,500 Royal LePage agents, and 200 Paralympic athletes participating. The Marathon was organized by the CFPDP along with Rotary Clubs in their communities and Royal LePage employees and associates across Canada.
