Canadian athletes are now heading back home as the 2023 Parapan Am Games concluded last Sunday.
A total of 135 athletes from Canada competed in 14 sports and brought home 52 medals after nine days of action.
“What spectacular Parapan Am Games,” said Josh Vander Vies, Co-Chef de Mission.
“The last nine days have truly been an outstanding display of sporting achievement and disability pride.”
Alexandre Hayward goes home with the most medals from Team Canada, securing a podium finish in each of his four races.
Hayward won two gold, one silver and one bronze medals in paracycling.
Canada’s youngest and oldest athletes also secured podium spots.
Stephanie Chan, 66, won bronze in para table tennis while Fernando Lu, 16, won a silver and bronze medal in para swimming.
The Canadian women’s goalball team secured a spot at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris with their gold medal win last week.
In total, 31 athletes were first-time Parapan Am medalists, 28 of whom were in their first-ever appearance at the Games.
“There were so many moments to celebrate and everyone’s commitment and true love for the sport was evident throughout the competition,” said Karolina Wisniewska, Co-Chef de Mission.
“Behind every achievement is a unique journey, and these Games had no shortage of incredible stories about the power of sport.”
Team Canada finished sixth in the medal standings and secured three qualifications for the 2024 Paralympics.
“These Games were also an important step towards next summer’s Paralympic Games as we seek to best prepare our athletes, coaches and staff, as well as provide them with the best possible experience,” said Canadian CEO Karen O’Neill Paralympic Committee.
“As we look to the next nine months to Paris, there are so many successes, insights and stories to build on from here as we look to continue to grow Paralympic sport and Paralympic athletes across Canada.”
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