The 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Italy kick off this week, with New Brunswick having a presence through snowboarder Mark Fawcett, who serves as Canada’s Para snowboard team technical coach. Hailing from Rothesay, Fawcett takes pride in his roots, often showcasing images of New Brunswick to people he meets during his travels. His extensive snowboarding career, marked by 14 World Cup podium finishes and being named the International Snowboard Federation’s snowboarder of the year in 1997, led him to coaching after retiring from professional snowboarding. Fawcett’s coaching journey culminated in his current role as the Canadian Paralympic team coach at the Cortina 2026 Games.
Fawcett’s coaching responsibilities include equipment management, technical guidance, and mental performance support for the athletes. He values the focus on snowboarding in the Paralympics, highlighting the unique capabilities of Para athletes on snowboards compared to other adaptive sports equipment. Para snowboard, added to the Paralympic Games in 2014, showcases the skills and freedom of Para athletes on the slopes. As the Para snowboard events commence, Fawcett emphasizes the preparation and dedication of the Canadian team, with athletes like Tyler Turner, Alex Massie, and Sandrine Hamel showcasing their talents in various categories. The competition promises to be intense, with athletes pushing their limits in pursuit of success on the snow.
