Rugby star Madell named Canada’s flagbearer for Parapan Am closing

Stephanie Dixon remembers returning home from the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, and being unable to celebrate her successes with anyone.

Nobody knew what Paralympic sport was.

Global’s Brendan Parker caught up with one of two Calgarians playing goalball for Team Canada at the Parapan Am Games in Toronto this week. “They’ll be able to raise their heads up high and be proud of their accomplishments”. I would like to thank all 28 competing nations, as well as the worldwide federations, for developing these superhuman athletes.

The Canadian women’s top scorer in the gold medal game was Janet McLachlan with 27 points.

Brazil, the leader, won 257 medals from which 109 were gold, 74 silver and 74 bronze.

Scottish referee Ross Haswell has been appointed to the Parapan American Games seven-a-side football final between Brazil and Argentina in Toronto.

I would like to leave with you with a quote from the “Paralympic Pele”, Brazilian 5-side-footballer and Toronto 2015 gold medallist Jefinho which sums up the effect of these Games.

“Over the last eight days more than 1,600 incredible Para-athletes have redefined how we look at sport”, added Campo.

Recognizing the dedication and sacrifice that it takes to become an elite-level amateur athletes, CIBC, in partnership with AthletesCAN and the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario, developed the CIBC Team Next program that takes corporate sponsorship in Canada beyond the simple writing of a cheque. Among the highlights: Rivard, a 19-year-old from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., won six gold medals in swimming, and set a world record.

Canada’s strong showing also included medals in table tennis, judo, sitting volleyball, goalball, wheelchair tennis, para-archery, and boccia. After more than a decade, the U.S. men’s sitting volleyball team punched its ticket to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Game with a silver medal.

“Our Canadian athletes delivered performances of a lifetime at these Parapan Am Games in front of their friends and family”, says Ms. Dixon.

The United States and Canada have won the gold at the past four Parapan Am Games, splitting them with two each.

“When everyone’s cheering you when you’re down 30 points … this is spectacular”, Goncin said.

Jose Luis Campo, President of the Americas Paralympic Committee, hailed the Parapan American Games as the “best ever” at the event’s Closing Ceremony in Toronto’s Nathan Philips Square.

The 21-year-old from Okotoks, Alta., lingered long on the floor after Friday night’s thrilling victory, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

As the Lead Partner of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games CIBC is committed to enriching Canadian communities through the power of sport.