Checking in with Paralympians: Pandemic makes Paralympians creative

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:

The Canadian Press reporter Donna Spencer issued two Para sport news stories last week which hit major media outlets across the country. The first was on the lack of competitions for Para athletes over the past year and the second on Brian McKeever giving back to his sport.

Pandemic hit sport hard and Paralympic sport even harder. Some winter @CDNParalympics athletes lost entire seasons. My @CdnPressSports story and @AP_Sports photo. #Beijing2022 https://t.co/b036HzI5wm pic.twitter.com/lx9AmS11ex

— Donna Spencer (@DLSpencer10) February 11, 2021

Decorated Paralympic skier Brian McKeever doing grunt work for @NordiqCanada next generation at world junior cross-country championship in Finland. My @CdnPressSports story and Jeff McIntosh photo. @CDNParalympics #FISCrossCountry https://t.co/DoihLqSvNP pic.twitter.com/JaztBRvu6h

— Donna Spencer (@DLSpencer10) February 12, 2021

This past Saturday was Hockey Day in Canada. Christina Picton, a member of the women’s national Para ice hockey team was featured on Sportsnet.

Christina Picton’s put together an accomplished career in her 17 years on the ice, breaking barriers along the way. But to hear her tell it, this is just the beginning — for both her and her women’s program. (via @laurkelly24)
@scotiahockey | #HockeyDay https://t.co/dr1T1Jm3cR

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 11, 2021

Halifax’s Peter Parsons was named to the men’s national goalball team at age 43. His amazing journey to the top of his sport was recently featured in local media.

ATHLETE PROFILE: Halifax resident raising the sports bar, despite challenges | SaltWire https://t.co/heo9yYFJRa pic.twitter.com/jo2E2QvbX1

— SaltWire Network (@SaltWireNetwork) February 4, 2021

Two-time Paralympic medallist Tyler McGregor of the men’s national Para ice hockey team will be skating 25 kilometres in his sled for the Terry Fox Foundation on Sunday, February 21.

2x Paralympic medalist Tyler McGregor will be skating 25km in his sled for the Terry Fox Foundation on Sunday, February 21st.

To donate to the Terry Fox Sledge Skate of Hope, visit https://t.co/xhlUHzrdru. #HockeyDay | @scotiahockey pic.twitter.com/MjfR46DM6X

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 13, 2021

Erica Scarff, a Rio 2016 Paralympian in canoe, found herself training in some not-so-summery – but very scenic – conditions.