Kingston native Amy Latimer knows what it’s like to run long distances – in fact, she runs a weekly distance of 15 to 40 kilometers a week to keep fit.

But the 300 meter run she’ll be doing this Friday could be the most significant and satisfying one she’ll ever have.

The Paralympics Torch Relay is making a stop in Toronto’s downtown area, and Latimer will be taking part in it. According to this assistant professor at Queen’s University’s Kinesiology and Health Studies department, the relay is an opportunity to raise awareness on the Paralympics and showcase the talents and skills of people living their lives with physical disabilities.

Her work in the university involves helping physically disabled individuals get into different sports. She says that the Paralympics is sort of the Olympics’ younger sibling, and that the torch relay is a way for it to be known across the world.

Unlike the Winter Olympics, the Winter Paralympics Torch Relay will only cover 10 cities in Canada. The 10-day relay kicks off today at Ottawa, crossing over to Quebec, then Toronto on Friday, before making a beeline to Vancouver, British Columbia.

If you’re in town, you can show your support simply by watching the relay celebrations.