After attending the 2010 Paralympics alpine events last week, it became evident just how different the Paralympics are from the Olympics.

Gone were the security restrictions, blimps, pigloos, military helicopters and police officers/military on every street corner. Paralympic spectators were not subjected to airport-style security screening, despite visiting VIPs such as Prime Minister Harper, B.C. Premier, Gordon Campbell and Prince Edward.

All instances of the IOC's five-ring logo had been replaced with the three agitos (or semi ovals of red, green and blue). Tickets for the Olympic alpine events were priced at $150, while tickets to the Paralympic alpine events were only $15, but still delivered the excitment of a world-class event.

I was a World Cup "virgin" until this year, but after attending four different World Cup events this winter, I feel much more enlightened.

Between January and March, Vanoc (Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games) successfully hosted nine World Cup events in Whistler.

Spectators had the chance to watch Olympic and Paralympic athletes compete at test events on the downhill runs, cross-country trails, the track at the Whistler Sliding Centre and new biathlon range in Whistler. In Vancouver, athletes tested the new skating ovals and curling and sledge hockey arenas prior to 2010.

These will be the first ever Winter Paralympics held in Canada.