Greatness begins with opportunity.

Six-time Paralympic medallist Mac Marcoux shares how the power of community helped him break barriers and chase greatness on the world stage.

“Stargardt disease may take my vision, but it won’t take my dreams.”

I was nine years old when I was diagnosed with Stargardt disease — a rare condition that causes progressive vision loss. Week by week, I moved closer to the front of the classroom, struggling to see the board. I didn’t know it yet, but my whole life was about to change.

I grew up chasing speed — racing go-karts and stock cars with my family. But as my vision faded, I had to let that dream go. That’s when someone from Alpine Canada reached out. They heard I liked going fast and suggested I try Para alpine skiing.

That moment changed everything.

With the support of my family, coaches — and generous donors like you — I set a new goal: to race at the Paralympic Winter Games. In 2014, I did just that. I competed in Sochi and came home a Paralympic champion, winning one gold and two bronze medals. Since then, I’ve earned more than 50 World Cup podiums and had the season of a lifetime — winning eight straight races after coming back from injury.

But for me, it’s never just been about the results. It’s about the journey — and the people who made it possible.

Your support gives athletes like me access to the training, equipment, and belief we need to dream bigger. I can't thank you enough.

– Mac Marcoux, two-time Paralympic gold medallist, Para alpine

Mac’s story is one of many. At the Paralympic Foundation of Canada, your generosity fuels opportunity, inclusion, and excellence in sport — for thousands of Canadians with a disability.

Impact of Your Support

With more than $20 million raised – and growing – we are building a future where every Canadian with a disability has ample opportunities to experience the transformative power of sport.

  • 1.

    Paralympic System Development

    18 sport organizations across Canada have been awarded 2025-26 Paralympic Sport Development Fund grants for a total of $200,000 to support specific initiatives along the Paralympic pathway. 

  • 2.

    Adapted Equipment

    With the unique needs of each athlete, the sport equipment required can be up to 10x the cost of sport equipment for able bodied athletes. We support adaptive equipment needs for Para athletes at all levels.

  • 3.

    Performance Recognition Program

    Launched at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games through the generosity of the Government of Canada, the Malaviya Foundation, and other donors, this groundbreaking program ensures that Paralympic medalists receive financial recognition equal to the Olympic counterparts – a commitment that will carry forward to all future Paralympic Games.

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Canadian Para alpine skier Mac Marcoux and his guide stand proudly on the podium at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, both holding their arms up in celebration while wearing gold medals and Team Canada jackets and toques.
Canadian Para alpine skier Mac Marcoux competes in a downhill race at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, wearing a white and red Team Canada speed suit, helmet, and goggles, in a tucked position on the snowy course.
Canadian Para alpine skier Mac Marcoux (left) follows his guide during a visually impaired skiing event at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. Both wear racing suits with Canada branding, carving down the snowy course in close formation.

Learn more about Mac's journey to the Paralympics

IGNITING SUCCESS

The three-time Paralympian and the pride of Sault Ste. Marie, Mac Marcoux reflects on his career and how the Paralympic Foundation of Canada helps Canadian Para athletes.

Learn more

Impact Stories

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