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.

"The 2019–2020 season was a highlight of my career. After spending most of the previous year sidelined with an injury, my guide Tristan Rodgers and I returned to the World Cup circuit determined — winning eight consecutive races and celebrating my 50th career World Cup podium. But it wasn’t really about the results – it was about the journey we took together, pushing each other to reach new heights despite the challenges that came our way.

My journey to the podium started long before that. When I was eight years old, I began having trouble seeing the chalkboard at school. Week by week, I moved closer to the front of the class — and still, things became harder to see. At nine, I was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a rare condition that affects 1 in 10 000 people.

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

I grew up chasing speed — go-kart and stock car racing were a big part of my childhood. But as my vision declined, we knew that path was no longer an option. 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 donors, I set a new goal: to race at the Paralympic Winter Games. In 2014, I competed in Sochi — and came home a Paralympic champion, winning one gold and two bronze medals. It was just the beginning.

These milestones were only possible because of people like you. Your support helps fund the training, technology, and adaptive equipment we need to compete — and to dream bigger."

– 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.

Canadian Paralympian Mac Marcoux smiles while wearing ski goggles and a red jacket, standing on a snowy mountain slope with evergreen trees in the background.
Mac Marcoux (right) stands on the podium at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games, wearing a red Team Canada jacket and toque, holding a bouquet of flowers. He smiles alongside his guide, Tristan Rodgers (left), as they celebrate winning the silver medal in the Men's Downhill, visually impaired event.

Our Impact

Together, we can build a future where every Canadian with a disability has ample opportunities to experience the transformative power of sport.

  • 1.

    Transformational Fundraising

    With more than $16 million raised — and growing — we’re driving meaningful change across the country. This support is expanding access to Para sport in over 75 communities, breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive sport system. Together, we’re creating lasting opportunities for Canadians with a disability at the local level and beyond.

  • 2.

    Athlete & Coach Support

    More than 500 Para athletes and coaches have benefited from training, mentorship, and development opportunities made possible through our funding. From the local level to the international stage, our support strengthens Canada’s high-performance pathway and builds a stronger, more connected Para sport system.

  • 3.

    Performance Recognition Program

    Launched at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games with support from the Government of Canada and the Malaviya Foundation, this groundbreaking program ensures that Paralympic medalists receive equal financial recognition as their Olympic counterparts, a commitment that will carry forward to 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.

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Impact Stories

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