Para swimmer Kirby Cote to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

CALGARY – Para swimmer Kirby Cote of Winnipeg, a seven-time Paralympic champion, was one of six athletes that will inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame this October, the Hall announced on Wednesday.

Cote, a visually impaired Para swimmer who competed in the S13 category, competed at three Paralympic Games totalling 13 medals (seven gold and six silver).

“I am honoured to be named to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024, representing Paralympic swimming,’’ said Cote. ‘’These events bring me joy because I can thank and centre those who loved and supported me on my Paralympic journey.’’

At Sydney 2000, she burst on the international stage with two gold (both in world record time) and two silver. It was in Athens 2004 where she totally dominated her category, collecting five gold and two silver. Four years later in Beijing, she added two more silver to the collection.

She also won six gold medals over two world championships (2002 and 2006) and a bronze at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in a multi-class race.

Cote, currently Accessible Sports Connection Manitoba’s executive director, was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

‘’I would not be celebrating these accomplishments if it weren’t for my family or the blind and vision-impaired sports athletes and builders who paved the way for me,’’ Cote added. ‘’I come from the birthplace of accessible sport in Canada and am proud to be part of the advocacy we continue to build.”

Joining Cote in the Class of 2024 athletes category are: middle distance runner Angela Chalmers, figure skater Patrick Chan, tennis player Daniel Nestor, Vicky Sunohara (ice hockey ) and the late Fred Thomas (multisport).

In the builder category, the inductees will be Dr. Guylaine Demers and Alex Nelson. High jumper Debbie Brill will be recognized in the trailblazer category.

The Class of 2024 will receive the Order of Sport and be formally inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame (CSHoF) on October 23, 2024, at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Que. during the 68th Annual Order of Sport Awards.