Victoria, B.C. — As the world turns its attention to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Canadian para athletes are set to compete on the global stage, bringing their passion, determination, and skill to the forefront. Scheduled from August 28th to September 8th, these Games provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talents and make Canada proud.
British Columbia’s Strong Paralympic Representation
Team Canada will be represented by a total of 126 athletes at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Among them, 38 athletes (30.2%) either hail from or have a birthplace or residence in British Columbia, showcasing the province’s significant contribution to the Canadian team. Of these 38 athletes, 32 of them are affiliated with the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific (CSI Pacific) or one of the PacificSport centres, reflecting the vital role these organizations play in preparing athletes for competition on the world stage.
Paris 2024 Team Canada Paralympic Games Quick Facts:
- 126 athletes will represent Canada at the Paralympics
- 38 athletes (30%) have a BC connection and are affiliated with CSI Pacific
- 32 athletes (25%) have benefitted from services provided by CSI Pacific or the PacificSport Regional Alliance here in B.C.
- Eight BC games & Team BC alumni (x athletes, x coaches, x support staff)
View the full list of BC-connected para athletes in Paris [PDF]
“We are proud of the Paralympians who are representing B.C. as well as Canada at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Competing at a Paralympics speaks to your incredible discipline, excellent athleticism and unwavering dedication. As you strive for your personal best and the top of the podium, know that you carry the profound respect, adoration and support of the people of British Columbia and Canadians who will be cheering for you.”
“CSI Pacific is incredibly proud of the athletes who have trained, prepared, and are now ready to compete on the biggest international stage,” said Wendy Pattenden, CEO of Canadian Sport Institute Pacific. “The strong representation of BC-connected athletes at the Paralympics is a testament to their hard work, as well as the collaborative support of national and provincial sport organizations. These athletes are not just competing, they are showcasing the strength and spirit of our province.”
“The Paralympic Games are an opportunity to witness the remarkable achievements of BC’s high-performance athletes with disabilities,” said Charlene Krepiakevich, CEO, viaSport BC. “It champions the cause of inclusivity on and off the field of play and encourages increased participation, enhanced fairness, and promotes innovation and teamwork to make sport better for everyone.”
The success of these athletes is supported by a network of organizations, including Sport Canada’s investment through the Own the Podium program, National Sport Organizations, the Province of British Columbia, viaSport, and the Regional Alliance partners.This network of support has created an environment where athletes of all abilities can thrive and achieve their Paralympic dreams.
British Columbia’s Contribution to National and International Sports Success
Several key factors contribute to British Columbia’s prominent position in the national and international sport landscape:
- Government Investment: The Government of British Columbia invests approximately $50 million annually in sports, providing a solid foundation for the development and success of athletes across the province.
- viaSport’s Leadership: viaSport plays a crucial role in promoting and developing amateur sports, fostering a stronger, more effective, and inclusive sport system for athletes and coaches through provincial sport organizations and regional delivery partners.
- CSI Pacific’s Expertise: Canadian Sport Institute Pacific (CSI Pacific) offers technical leadership and support to Canada’s high-performance athletes and coaches. With a mantra of “Collaborate. Serve. Innovate. Perform.,” and access to world-class training facilities, equipment, and innovations, CSI Pacific empowers elite athletes and coaches to reach their full potential.
- Collaboration with Sport Organizations: Through partnerships with National Sport Organizations (NSOs) and Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs), B.C. benefits from leadership and commitment to the Long-Term Athlete Development model. This collaboration provides expertise, services, and support to B.C. athletes and coaches across more than two dozen Olympic and Paralympic Summer sports.
- BC Games Society’s Role: The BC Games Society introduces athletes to multi-sport games and the sport excellence system by hosting the BC Winter and BC Summer Games. They also manage the Team BC program for the Canada Games, fostering sport development and excellence.
Quick Facts about Team Canada’s B.C. Affiliation for Paris 2024:
- 32 athletes benefited from CSI Pacific and/or viaSport Regional Alliance partner programs and services in the quadrennial lead-up to the Games.
- 95% of the Paralympians are affiliated with at least one member of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN), of which CSI Pacific is a member.
- Two athletes attended the Canadian Sport School, a program overseen by CSI Pacific. One attended Canadian Sport School Victoria, (Mel Pemble, Para Cycling, who is also a Para Alpine winter Paralympian), while another attended Canadian Sport School Prince George (Joel Ewert, Wheelchair Rugby)
- Two CSI Pacific sport scientists from two disciplines will be attending the Games in a professional capacity:
- Matt Jensen (Vancouver): Performance Analyst working with Wheelchair Rugby
- Sue Lott (Victoria): Integrated Support Team (IST) Lead and Physiotherapist working with Athletics Canada
The Paralympic Spirit
The Paralympic Games are a celebration of courage, determination, and the unyielding human spirit. BC’s connected athletes, supported by CSI Pacific, viaSport, the Government of British Columbia and other key organizations, are ready to showcase their best performances on the world stage.
Follow the Action with CSI Pacific During Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
Stay informed on the achievements of all B.C.-affiliated para athletes competing in Paris through CSI Pacific’s daily newsletter. Each edition will feature the latest results, along with insights into the athletes’ backgrounds, including their hometowns, social media links, and competition schedules.
If you haven’t subscribed yet, join us for daily updates by signing up for our OUI CAN! newsletter here: https://www.csipacific.ca/
As the Paralympic Games kick off on August 28th, we’ll be sharing updates on both CSI Pacific and B.C.-connected athletes. Don’t miss any of the exciting moments as we celebrate their performances.
Cheer on Team Canada! #OuiCAN
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About CSI Pacific: Powering Performance. Inspiring Excellence.
Offering world-class Olympic and Paralympic training environments in Vancouver, Whistler and Victoria, Canadian Sport Institute Pacific (www.csipacific.ca) is committed to Powering Performance. Inspiring Excellence. Working with national sport organizations and fuelled by our national and provincial partners such as Sport Canada, viaSport, Own the Podium, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Coaches Association of Canada, we are driven by our mantra to Collaborate. Serve. Innovate. Perform.
Our team of sport science, sport medicine, coaching & life services experts provide leading-edge programs and services to athletes and coaches to ensure they have every advantage to win medals for Canada. Learn more: https://www.csipacific.
About Canadian Olympian and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN)
The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN) provides world-leading training environments to elite athletes and coaches across Canada. The team of experts delivers sport science and medicine, coaching, research and innovation, education and Game Plan services to power podium performances and help Canada win more medals. The Network includes five Canadian Sport Institutes (Pacific, Alberta, Ontario, Québec and Atlantic) and two Canadian Sport Centres (Saskatchewan and Manitoba).
