The Paralympic Winter Games’ 50th-anniversary edition officially commenced today with the opening ceremony at the historic Verona Arena, which recently hosted the Olympic closing ceremony. Ukraine and six other European nations opted not to participate in the festivities to protest the International Paralympic Committee’s decision to readmit Russia and Belarus.
While Canada did not join the boycott, the Canadian Paralympic Committee chose not to send any athletes to the ceremony. The CPC, which opposed lifting the ban on Russia and Belarus, cited logistical reasons, as Verona is over two hours away from where the athletes are staying and competing.
Flag-bearers for Canada were Natalie Wilkie, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist in nordic skiing, and Tyler McGregor, the Para hockey team captain. They performed their duties remotely as they gear up for competition starting tomorrow.
In another development affecting the Games, the IPC announced that Iran’s sole athlete, a cross-country skier, will not compete due to safety concerns related to travel to Italy.
Over the weekend, a total of 22 medal events will take place. Notable Canadians to watch include:
– Natalie Wilkie, competing in biathlon events in the women’s standing category.
– Mark Arendz, a twelve-time Paralympic medalist, also competing in biathlon events.
– Collin Cameron, a six-time Paralympic medalist, participating in men’s sitting category races.
– Mollie Jepsen, aiming to defend her Paralympic title in the women’s standing downhill.
– Tyler Turner, defending his Paralympic title in men’s snowboard cross SB-LL1 category.
– Canada’s Para hockey team starting their campaign against Slovakia.
– Canada’s mixed wheelchair curling team competing against Italy, Great Britain, and Norway.
Viewers can watch the Paralympics on CBC TV network starting at noon ET, stream live action on the CBC Gem app, and access the full schedule on the CBC Paralympics streaming and broadcast schedule. Further coverage and highlights are available on CBC’s Milan-Cortina Paralympics website.
