Paralympic Team Has Huge BC Contingent

The Canadian Paralympic team in London is getting a big boost from Canada’s western-most province, with British Columbia-born or trained athletes making up 29 per cent of the team.

Of the 42 athletes B.C. is sending, 38 were born and raised here, while the other four have received substantial training support through the B.C. sport system. B.C. Paralympians in London will be competing in 18 different sports.

British Columbia is also sending a strong contingent of coaches, technical staff, medical and administrative team members, as well as athlete support personnel who call British Columbia home.

Kelowna wheelchair rugby athlete Garett Hickling will magnify British Columbia’s presence at the Opening Ceremony.

In addition to his role as a competitor, Hickling has the honour of leading the Canadian Paralympic team as flag-bearer.

Quotes:

Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development stated the following regarding those attending the games.
“B.C. athletes have historically done exceedingly well at the Paralympic Games and, once again, our province is well-represented on the Canadian Paralympic team. B.C. athletes make up well over a quarter of the team, which – in itself – is something to be proud of. I know that all British Columbians join me in wishing our Paralympians the very best at the London Games.”

Wendy Pattenden (CEO) Canadian Sport Centre Pacific stated “For a province that represents only 13 per cent of our national population, we are proud of the fact that B.C. will be sending almost 30 per cent of the athletes who make up the 2012 Paralympic team. Canadian Sport Centre Pacific congratulates the athletes, coaches and support staff preparing to compete at the 2012 Paralympic Games, and we are certain British Columbians will be inspired and enthralled by the athletic excellence on display over the next two weeks.”

Quick Facts:

· 147 athletes make up the Canadian Paralympic Team.
· 29 per cent of the athletes representing Canada were either born in or train in British Columbia.
· 45 coaches and technical staff lead the Canadian Paralympic Team in London.
· Of those, 24 per cent are from B.C.
· 27 medical staff are supporting the Canadian Paralympic Team.
· Of those, 15 per cent are from B.C.
· 19 athlete support personnel play key roles with the Canadian Paralympic team during the event competitions.
· Of those, 21 per cent are from B.C.

Learn More:
Canadian Sport Centre Pacific: http://www.cscpacific.ca/
Canadian Paralympic Team: http://www.paralympic.ca/