OTTAWA - Chantal Benoit of Beloeil, Que., was named Officer to the Order of Canada for her contributions to the sport of wheelchair basketball and her advocacy of inclusive sport.
The Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation by individuals from all sectors of Canadian society.
‘’She is most deserving of this prestigious honour and we join the wheelchair basketball community in congratulating her on her appointment to the Order of Canada,’’ said Wheelchair Basketball Canada Executive Director Wendy Gittens.
Among her many achievements, Benoit is a seven-time Paralympian and a recipient of the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) Gold Medal Triad Award for outstanding contributions to the growth of the sport at the national and international levels.
Benoit spent more than 25 years with the national team program. Her medal collection includes three Paralympic gold medals and one bronze medal, as well as four gold and two bronze medals at the IWBF World Championships.
She is one of the greatest players to have ever played the game. Many individuals within the wheelchair basketball community credit Benoit as a mentor in their own careers, including several players currently making their mark with Team Canada.
‘’Chantal exemplifies what it means to be a world leader on and off the court and she is a remarkable ambassador for the game and a tireless champion of inclusion,’’ added Gittens.
Benoit remains actively involved in the wheelchair basketball community with the Vaughan City Lashers program in Ontario.
