Canadian Paralympic Committee celebrates team behind the team with 50 days until Milano Cortina 2026 Games    

Ottawa, January 15, 2026 – With 50 days to go until the start of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the Canadian Paralympic Committee is celebrating the support team that works behind-the-scenes to provide Canada’s Paralympians with the optimal environment to foster a positive and successful experience at the Games. 

Alongside the athletes, the Canadian Paralympic Team is expected to send a delegation of approximately 115 people to Italy, including coaches, NSO support staff, CPC staff and support team members.  

“There are so many people involved in the success of the Canadian Paralympic Team, starting with the leadership of our sport members who we work so closely with on a daily basis,” said Catherine Gosselin-Despres, Chief Sport Officer, Canadian Paralympic Committee. “As we strive to improve with each Games, it is thanks to all the team members who are so dedicated to Paralympic sport that we are a best prepared team. Each person plays an important role in providing the best environment for the athletes to shine and achieve their goals. Their commitment, expertise, and passion make excellence possible. Thank you to the entire support team for their amazing work as we head into Milano Cortina 2026.”  

Behind every great performance at the Games is a team that has worked tirelessly for years to create the best possible environment for success. Working alongside the National Sport Organizations, CPC dives deep into each sport and every detail of the organizing committee’s plans, translating that knowledge into a Canadian team environment built around what the athletes need to feel and perform their very best. 

An important focus is the health and well-being of the entire Canadian Paralympic Team. Guided by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andy Marshall, and with the vital leadership of Susan Cockle across mental health, wellness, and athlete support, a team of dedicated professionals ensures the athletes and their direct support personnel are supported, prepared, and cared for every step of the way. 

CPC also delivers a comprehensive range of initiatives designed to support athletes from their hometown to the world stage. From family and friends programs, celebratory events, and storytelling that enables more Canadians to experience the power of Para sport and connect to the team’s journey, this important work creates an environment where athletes can focus on performing at their best while feeling supported and celebrated both on and off the field of play. 

“With just 50 days to go till Milano Cortina, it is now down to the final push – and as the athletes are preparing to be at their best for the Games, so is the support staff,” said Mac Marcoux, honorary captain, Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. “When I was competing, I was aware of the work taking place behind-the-scenes to make the Games possible for us athletes, but it truly is a gigantic effort bringing people together across so many different fields of work – all of which is so important for the athletes’ experience and performance. I am so proud to now be part of this team and work alongside the entire support staff.” 

The CPC support team in Italy will include three full-time staff Paralympians who bring their lived experience and understanding of the Games environment to their roles. Three-time Paralympian Marcoux, who in addition to being the team’s honorary captain works in CPC’s athlete relations team year-round, is joined by Jessica Tuomela and Adam Purdy.  

Tuomela, a four-time Paralympian who competed in both Para swimming and Para triathlon, will be supporting athletes in the Paralympic Village as well as overseeing the Family & Friends program. Purdy, a three-time Paralympian in Para swimming, will provide vital support to NSOs.  

Two additional Paralympians will be supporting CPC on the content side in Italy. Arianna Hunsicker, who competed in Para swimming at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, will join the team as a content creator and Curtis Halladay, a Rio 2016 bronze medallist in Para rowing, will be travelling across each Games location to produce content from Canada Paralympic House celebrations.  

The complete support staff list will be made available with the full team announcement at the end of February.  

People across the country can also directly support the Canadian Paralympic Team and the next generation of Para athletes through #FillTheStands, a national fundraising initiative that invites supporters to purchase a virtual seat. Learn more at Paralympic.ca/FillTheStands. 

The Canadian Paralympic Team is expected to feature approximately 50 athletes competing in six sports from March 6-15 – Para alpine skiing, Para ice hockey, Para nordic skiing (Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing), Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling. Five wheelchair curling athletes have already been nominated to compete, with more sport team announcements set to take place over the coming weeks.