If you missed it, don't fret, there's a chance yet to kindle the spirit ignited by the 2002 Winter Olympic torch relay.
Organizers of the 2002 Winter Paralympics say the same fervor produced by the Olympic torch will be recaptured, Paralympic style, through the "Journey of Fire," which begins today.
The journey — much smaller than that of the Olympic flame, which traveled from Greece and through 46 states before arriving at Rice-Eccles Stadium for opening ceremonies — will kick off in four Utah cities.
In total, 16 cities will light their own flames, and those lights will be joined during a rousing celebration at Salt Lake's City-County Building 6 p.m. Wednesday. The Paralympics are scheduled for March 7-16.
"Salt Lake is just coming off hosting a successful Winter Games," Salt Lake Deputy Mayor Rocky Fluhart said. "I have every expectation that the Paralympics will be equally successful."
The flame can be ignited in any fashion the 16 cities feel best represent their locales. Some will start the fire with two sticks, while others will use a piece of red rock and flint.
After the flames unite in a caldron at the City-County Building, the torch relay will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, leaving City Hall for a trip around Salt Lake City before ending at Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium for Paralympic opening ceremonies.
The one-day relay will feature 102 torchbearers, with 75 coming from communities around Utah and other U.S. states.
Those 75 were chosen from 225 applicants and have all made impacts on their families or communities. Some are blind, several have autism and 27 are in wheelchairs.
Among them are Amber Jorgensen, 20, Murray, who, despite having to use a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, helped organize the Differently Able Student Association at Salt Lake Community College and volunteers at a retirement center for the elderly. Another is Chase Housley, 19, Riverdale, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago but was able to post high enough marks on his ACT to be admitted to Weber State University.
Also carrying the torch will be International Paralympic Committee President Phil Craven.
"I'm in there, and you can all scrap for the minor places," Craven kidded.
The relay will make stops at Olympic Legacy Plaza, the state Capitol, Liberty Park, where organizers will dedicate an all-abilities play park, and Shriners Hospital.
E-MAIL: bsnyder@desnews.com