Checking in with Paralympians: Athletes tell their stories

Canada’s Paralympians are staying busy, getting back to training, sharing their stories and opinions on social media, and more. We will check in regularly with what the nation’s Para athletes have been up to and share some of the top highlights here. 

Here’s a quick look at some recent updates: 

Cindy Ouellet, a member of Canada’s women’s wheelchair basketball team, is now also a comic strip superhero as an anti-bullying spokesperson for Sport’Aide, a Quebec-based organization. In “Les aventures de Cindy”, Ouellet tells her story on how she battled cancer, underwent chemo treatments and was subject to intimidation due to her changed appearance.

Veteran journalist David Grossman wrote about the incredible story of Eric Rodrigues for Canadian Sport Institute Ontario, about how he overcame tragedy through sport to become a member of Canada’s wheelchair rugby team.

“My emphasis was on being more independent and I had to learn how to do things all over again. I was committed and worked very hard.” And Eric Rodrigues did just that. My story @CSIONTARIO @WCRugbyCanada @RugbyOntario @PARARugbyLeague @ParaAthletics https://t.co/nGogNz0iRj pic.twitter.com/9dGuf4vuYQ

— David Grossman (@DavidBGrossman) November 19, 2020

In an exclusive interview with CBC’s Devin Heroux, Canadian discus thrower Ness Murby tells his story of why now he has decided to come out as trans.

Speaking with the joy and clarity of someone who understands fully the freedom that exists within self actualization.@CDNParalympics athlete @NessMurby shares his inspiring and courageous journey.

Thank you for your trust, Ness: https://t.co/puBhLBLOld #TransAwarenessWeek

— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) November 18, 2020

Josh Vander Vies and Stephanie Dixon talk about their journeys through sport in the latest episode of Bridges of Belonging. Dixon, a 19-time Paralympic Games medallist in swimming, is Canada’s chef de mission for Tokyo 2021 while Vander Vies, on the podium in boccia at London 2012, is assistant chef de mission for Tokyo.