Canadian Paralympic Committee and Canadian Olympic Committee release budget request 2024
OTTAWA – With the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games quickly approaching, the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) and Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) are calling on the federal government to make important investments in Canadian athletes and in a stronger, safer sport system.
Weekend wrap-up: Smooth start for Canada at Wheelchair Curling World Championships
GANGNEUNG, South Korea – Canada has opened the 2024 Wheelchair Curling World Championships with four wins in five games to stand second in the 12-country preliminary round standings.
Canada, last year’s silver medallists, opened the tournament Saturday with a 9-6 victory over South Korea then defeated Slovakia 6-4 and Italy 8-3 on Sunday. Its first loss was Monday morning to defending champions China 6-4 but Canada bounced back to beat Estonia 7-5 later Monday.
Mark Arendz heads to Para biathlon worlds undefeated in the event this season
CANMORE, Alta. – Twelve-time Paralympic Winter Games medallist Mark Arendz has served notice he is the one to beat in the men’s standing events at the inaugural Para biathlon world championships set for March 5-10 at the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club in Prince George, B.C.
With weather in Europe wreaking havoc on the schedule, there have been only two World Cups this winter. The World Cup Final will follow the biathlon worlds March 13-17 at the same venue with more biathlon as well as cross country races.
Canada ices veteran squad for wheelchair curling world championships
Led by skip Mark Ideson, Canada looks to return to the podium at the wheelchair curling world championships set for March 2-9 at the 2018 Paralympic Games venue in Gangneung, South Korea.
The mixed doubles worlds follow right after March 11-16 at the same location.
Canada is looking for a third podium in four years with Ideson at the helm for a fifth straight worlds. The Canadians won silver last year and were also second in 2020.
Gil Dash pays his dues to be on national wheelchair curling team
REGINA – Gil Dash is a familiar face in Canadian wheelchair curling circles both as a player and builder.
Now he’s carving his reputation at the international level as the second on Canada’s national team. Dash made his worlds debut in 2023 and helped Canada to a silver medal. The Canadians lost in the final to China, which took gold for a second straight worlds.
As performance improves, so does equipment requirements
Photo: Canada's co-chef de mission Josh Vander Vies (left) with Nathan Bragg
RICHMOND, B.C. – There is a 22-year age gap between Paralympic Games legend Richard Peter and Para athlete Nathan Bragg. Both recalled their first foray into Para sport during a fireside chat panel at a ParaTough Cup event last fall.
Six Canadians in Dubai for Para athletics Grand Prix season opener
DUBAI – Austin Smeenk of Oakville, Ont. leads a six-member Canadian team at the star studded Dubai Grand Prix in Para athletics which will get underway on Tuesday. The meet was delayed a day due to bad weather on Monday.
Smeenk, a 26-year-old veteran wheelchair racer born with spastic paraplegia, produced a fantastic 2023 season to clearly establish himself as a top medal contender for the 2024 Paralmypic Games in Paris.
One of Canada’s great Paralympians Jessica Tuomela retires
VICTORIA – After an eight-year hiatus from competitive sport, Jessica Tuomela remembers that major decision when she decided to get back into the ring – but not in Para swimming in which she competed at three Paralympic Games.
Paralympian Lisa DeJong Releases Inspiring Children's Book, "Lucy's Fancy Leg"
Paralympian Lisa DeJong, known for her incredible journey in snowboarding, has ventured into the world of children's literature with her heartwarming book, "Lucy's Fancy Leg."
Weekend recap: Mark Arendz wins three straight World Cup races for first time
For the first time in his career, Mark Arendz has earned three consecutive World Cup wins at the Para nordic event which concluded Sunday in Martell, Italy.
The 11-time Paralympic Games medallist from Hartsville, PEI was first in the men’s standing 7.5 kilometres, 10 kilometres and pursuit. In 7.5 and 10 kilometre races, he was perfect in the shooting range hitting the target 35 straight times over the two events.