Three athletes connected to Saskatchewan are part of the elite group preparing to compete at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Paralympic Games. Among those representing the province are five individuals, including coaches, support staff, and mission staff.
The Winter Paralympics will officially commence with the opening ceremony on March 6. However, the quest for medals will kick off two days earlier at the wheelchair curling mixed doubles competition, excluding Team Canada.
One of the athletes, Brittany Hudak, a Para nordic skier from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, began her Paralympic journey after being approached by Colette Bourgonje, a 10-time Paralympian. Since then, Hudak has competed in three Paralympic Games, clinched three bronze medals, and is now a co-captain for Team Canada at the upcoming Paralympics in Italy.
Gilbert Dash, a wheelchair curler from Kipling, Saskatchewan, aged 57, is set to make his Paralympic debut in the mixed team tournament. Dash, who has already secured three medals at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from his hometown community.
Kurt Oatway, a Para alpine sit-skier, faced a setback in 2022 due to an injury but is now gearing up for a Paralympic comeback. Originally from Edmonton and now residing in Calgary, Oatway initiated his sit-skiing journey in Saskatchewan, qualifying for his first Paralympic Games in 2014.
Another noteworthy athlete to watch is Tyler Turner, a Para snowboarder born in Saskatoon. Turner, now based in Campbell River, British Columbia, made history by winning gold in Para snowboarding at the 2022 Beijing Paralympic Games.
As the Paralympics return to Italy, Team Canada aims to continue its successful track record in wheelchair curling, with hopes of maintaining the high standards set over the past two decades.
