Paralympic Winter Games Preview

Among the world’s most inspiring sporting events, the Paralympic Games embody the best characteristics of athletic competition: determination, inclusion, and courage. While the Paralympic Games does not get the same level of attention as the Olympics, the stories and feats are no less incredible. Athletes from all over the world have gathered in PyeongChang to compete in 80 medal events across six sports: alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, snowboard and wheelchair curling.

What You Need to Know:

Location: PyeongChang, South Korea.

Key Dates:

• Opening Ceremonies: March 9, 2018
• Closing Ceremonies: March 18, 2018

Where to Watch: CBC will be covering the Paralympic Games from March 9 to March 18.

Sports: alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, ice hockey, snowboard and wheelchair curling.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwBajPDzjJo[/embed]

Fast Facts:

• The official mascot of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Gamesis “Bandabi” an Asiatic black bear.
• There are multiple athletes who have competed in both the summer and winter Paralympic Games including Oksana Masters and Liam Hickey (More below)
• The 2018 Paralympic Games will host 670 athletes, which is a 24% increase from Sochi 2014.
• The number of female athletes who will compete in PyeongChang increased by an even greater 44% relative to 2014.

5 Athletes to Watch

1. Amy Purdy, Snowboard

• Amy Purdy is one of the world’s most well-known Paralympians and amongst the most active promoters of parasports. Winning bronze in snowboard-cross in Sochi 2014, Purdy will compete in snowboard-cross and banked slalom this time around. Purdy is also active and outspoken outside of snowboarding, as she has given a TEDx Talk and appeared on Dancing with the Stars.

2. Liam Hickey, Para ice hockey

• Liam Hickey is among the multiple dual sport athletes competing in PyeongChang, having played wheelchair basketball at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Hickey will be playing for team Canada in Para ice hockey (sledge hockey) as they look to improve on their Bronze medal in 2014.

3. Marie Bochet, Alpine Skiing

• Marie Bochet is favoured to win up to five gold medals at alpine skiing at this year’s games. Bochet has one of the more impressive international resumes, as she won four golds at Sochi 2014 as well as the World Championships in 2013 and 2015.

4. Oksana Masters, Nordic Skiing

• Oksana Masters is the quintessential example of a multi-sport athlete: Masters has participated in three different sports across three Paralympic Games. In London 2018, she competed in rowing; in Sochi 2014 she competed in cross-country skiing, and; in Rio Di Janeiro 2016 she participated in handcycling. At the 2018 games, the versatile Masters will compete in both cross-country skiing and biathalon.

5. Daniel Wagner, Snowboard

• Another dual sport athlete, the decorated long-jumper will be competing in snowboarding at his first winter games. Looking for another “first”, the three-time medalist is in search of his first gold at the Paralympics!
• So tune into CBC and cheer on Team Canada! Let us know which sports and athletes you are most excited to see by commenting on our Twitter account or posting below!