Parapan Am – #Paratough – Canadians “Got the Grit”
It's time for the Parapan Am Games! 8 days, 1600 athletes, over 40 delegations. The stellar accomplishments of our Canadian athletes at the Pan Am games have created a buzz which is still strong leading up to the Parapan opening ceremonies on August 7.
Our 216 Parapan Am athletes are tough, dedicated and have a "no prisoners" attitude to their sport. "The games are tough, the athletes are tougher" is the clarion call that invites us to witness their sports achievements for a stunning August week.
Frame your experience by discovering these Parapan events – and the amazing tough athletes who engage. Get out to a venue for thrilling sports thrills!
Wheelchair basketball – Think making it up and down the court is tough on your feet? Well, this is tougher – fit-wise and coordination-wise. Look for Scarborough's own Adam Lancia. He's a product of Variety Village's all-abilities competitive program. Find him @AdamLancia on Twitter.
Photo: paralympic.ca/adam-lancia
Boccia – When I was a kid I'd watch Italian men in my neighbourhood play Bocce for hours. There would be drama. Marco Dispaltro brings his winning attitude to the court. The psych-outs are totally intimidating! Many boccia afficianados live with Cerebral Palsy or, like Marco, Muscular Dystrophy. Find him @bc4boccia. Marco represented Canada at a recent diplomatic ceremony in Panama to celebrate the games.
Photo: http://www.pm.gc.ca/sites/pm/files/media/assets/photos/20150411_mdp_e4_01.jpg
Football 5-aside – Sighted people are both admirable of and intimidated by all the things that blind and low vision people can do. This sport is no exception. It debuted in Athens, 2004. See it in action, courtesy of the London 2012 games.
Cycling – Road - Canada's Jaye Milley has a story of grit and determination to tell. And he's not finished yet. He's a quadruple amputee with the nickname of "Iceman". Don't get in his way. He will run you over. He's also an inspirational speaker. Find him @ParaJayeMilley
Use the Twitter hashtag #paratough to keep in the loop with all the excitement of the games.
Visit a Toronto Public Library branch and share in the Pan Am and Parapan Am fun with lots of events, art exhibits and suggested reading. We're having a great time – join us!
This image of Jaye brings together all the work, vision, determination and winning spirit of the games:
Photo: paralympic.org/canada
2 thoughts on “Parapan Am – #Paratough – Canadians “Got the Grit””
Wow – great to know more about our Canadian athletes. Thanks!
Thanks so much Sharon. I think these games are going to be edgier than the Pan Ams. Canada is fielding an excellent crew of athletes.