Tara Llanes To Be Paris 2024 Pride House Ambassador

In an exciting announcement, Canadian wheelchair basketball player Tara Llanes has been named one of the ambassadors for the Paris 2024 Pride House. The Pride House initiative was introduced at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and is a place created to support and celebrate the LGBTI+ community.

Llanes, an influential figure in the Canadian Para sport community, expressed her honour and enthusiasm for being part of this historic Games-time initiative.

“It’s always an honour to be asked to be part of something so significant,” Llanes said. “It’s important for me to help be a voice within our LGBTQ+ community. I know as a young lesbian athlete it was difficult to come out and feel confident. I hope others can see athletes involved with Pride House Paris and feel comfortable and safe.”

Pride House, an inclusive and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ athletes, fans, and allies, aims to promote diversity and inclusion during the Games. It serves as a sanctuary where individuals can express themselves freely, share experiences, and build a supportive community. The inclusion of Pride House at the Paris 2024 Games underscores the growing recognition of the importance of safe and inclusive spaces in sports.

Llanes highlighted the significance of having a dedicated area for LGBTQ+ athletes at such a high-profile event.

“I think it’s important to have a place where LGBTQ+ athletes can feel safe and have open conversations, meet new people, and learn about each other’s experiences. It’s amazing that the tradition continues in Paris,” Llanes continued. “I don’t remember who contacted me first, but I received an email asking if I would like to be an ambassador. I immediately said yes.”

In addition to her ambassador role, Llanes remains deeply committed to the Canadian Women’s Wheelchair basketball program sharing insights about the Team’s training camp, where she and her teammates have been preparing rigorously for the upcoming Paris Games.

“The camp has been great. We’ve been practicing for five days, and it’s been beneficial to have different players with various strengths and speeds to train with. This helps us bond and improve as a team,” Llanes shared. “We’ve had a lot of growth. Each player has focused on their individual strengths and areas for improvement. When everyone does their best, it contributes to the team’s overall success.”

As the Paris 2024 Paralympics approaches, Tara Llanes’ involvement as a Pride House ambassador highlights her dedication not only to her sport but also to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all athletes.

Learn more about the Paris 2024 Pride House here.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will begin with the Opening Ceremony on August 28 and continue through September 8, with coverage of the Games on CBC and CBC Sports and Radio-Canada.

We encourage you to join our CAN Crew cheer squad so that you receive the latest information about the Canadian Paralympic Team on the road to Paris directly to your email inbox. Join today!