Celebrating Black Canadian Para athletes: A Legacy of Excellence and Inspiration

Canadian Paralympic Committee

February 08, 2022

From competing on the world stage, through to guiding Paralympic medallists and coaching next generations, Black Canadians have made a positive impact on the Paralympic Movement in Canada.

Un collage de cinq athlètes paralympiques et para-athlètes noirs canadiens en action. De gauche à droite : Un joueur de basketball en fauteuil roulant portant un maillot de l’équipe canadienne tient un ballon; une haltérophile paralympique allongée sur un banc se prépare à soulever des poids; un coureur en fauteuil roulant pousse avec intensité sur la piste; une sprinteuse en uniforme rouge de l’équipe canadienne sourit avec confiance; et un athlète masculin drapé dans un drapeau canadien célèbre avec un cri d’émotion.

This article has been updated January 2025.

As Black History Month begins, the Canadian Paralympic Committee is proud to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadian Paralympians and Para athletes who have shaped the Paralympic Movement in Canada. These athletes have not only excelled on the world stage but have also paved the way for future generations of Black athletes in Para sport.

Breaking Barriers in Para Sport

Among the trailblazers is Sally Thomas, who made history as Canada’s first female Paralympic powerlifter at the Athens 2004 Games. Thomas, born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, initially competed in track and field before transitioning to powerlifting, showcasing her remarkable versatility and dedication to Para sport.

The contributions of Black athletes in wheelchair basketball have also been significant. Deion Green represented Canada at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, while Blaise Mutware competed in Tokyo and returned to the court at Paris 2024. Abdi Fatah Dini, a key figure in Canadian wheelchair basketball, competed in three consecutive Paralympic Games, Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016, helping the Canadian Men’s team to win the gold medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

In Para athletics, Giselle Cole was an early trailblazer, competing at the Arnhem 1980 Paralympic Games, Cole who was born with birth defects due to thalidomide, starred at the Games winning three gold medals, including the Women’s 100m F1, 400m F1 and long jump F1 events, making her Canada’s most decorated Black woman at the Paralympics.

One of Canada’s most decorated Paralympians, Dean Bergeron made his mark in wheelchair racing, winning 11 Paralympic medals across four Games (Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and Beijing 2008), including three gold. A former hockey player, Bergeron’s athletic career took a turn after a spinal cord injury at 18, leading him to Para athletics, where he became a world record holder in the 200m and the first in his classification to complete the 400m in under a minute.

Since then, a new wave of Black Canadian Para athletes has carried the torch forward. Bianca Borgella, Noah Vucsics, and Sheriauna Haase competed in Para athletics at the Paris 2024 Games, continuing a legacy of excellence.

One of the standout performances from Paris 2024 came from Jesse Zesseu, who won a silver medal in the F37 discus event. His achievement marked a significant milestone, further cementing the impact of Black Canadian Para athletes on the international stage.

Brandon King, Braedon Dolfo, Courtney Johson, Isaiah Christophe and George Quarcoo have all made their marks on the international stage, representing the nation at either a Paralympic or Parapan American Games.

Guide runners play a vital role in Para athletics, and Josh Karanja exemplified this as he was the guide for visually impaired runner Josh Dunkerley at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympics, winning a silver and bronze medal.

A Lasting Impact Across Sports

Black Canadian Paralympians have also excelled in other disciplines. Lou Gibson competed in Para nordic skiing at the Vancouver 2010 Games, bringing visibility to Black athletes in winter Para sport. In Para rowing, Wilfredo More Wilson proudly represented Canada at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics.

The impact of Black Canadian Para athletes extends beyond individual performances. Jamoi Anderson, a sitting volleyball player, competed at the Toronto 2015 and Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, helping Canada to winning two straight bronze medals and helping to expand representation in the sport.

Equally important are the coaches and mentors who have supported the development of Para sport in Canada. Faye Blackwood, a respected coach, has played a key role in guiding athletes and shaping their journeys at the highest level.

As we honour Black History Month, we recognize these incredible athletes and their lasting contributions to the Paralympic Movement in Canada.

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