PARALYMPIC facts

PARALYMPIC Facts by Alison Levine - Boccia, 2-time Paralympian 2016 & 2020, Multiple CAN Fund Recipient

It is the Paralympics, not the para-olympics. The “para” stands for parallel, meaning alongside, not para as in paraplegic. You can’t just decide to go to the Paralympics, you must qualify and only the best in the world get to go. The qualifying standards are just as high as the Olympics.

While some athletes may not appear to have a disability, remember that everyone competing does and has been thoroughly evaluated and classified to impairment categories based on type and degree of disability to ensure fairness.

Last, and most importantly, we Paralympians are human. We have ups and downs like anyone else. We will falter, we will fail, we will rise, and we will succeed. We are representing our country on the largest international stage and with that comes added pressure. Success is not always about the number or colour of medals, it is about the process and the accomplishments made to get us to this point.

I invite you all to tune in for some of the most incredible shows of athleticism, determination, and sheer grit you’ll ever see. The stories will captivate you and the sports will astound you.

WE WILL MAKE CANADA PROUD!