Just after the 2010 Olympic Games closing ceremonies took place, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing Raquel Rolnik, submitted a comprehensive report to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2010 on the impacts of mega-events that went largely unnoticed.

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.