Canada announces its first athletes for the 2026 Paralympic Games, unveiling a veteran wheelchair curling team led by returning Paralympic medallists.
Canada Reveals First Athletes for Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympics
A Milestone Announcement Sets Canada’s Paralympic Journey in Motion
Canada’s campaign for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games took its first major step this week as the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Curling Canada jointly announced the nomination of five wheelchair curlers. The announcement, made Monday, confirms the first official Canadian delegation heading to Italy for the Games.
Veteran Lineup Brings Depth, Experience, and Proven Success
The nominated athletes—Gilbert Dash (Kipling, Sask.), Ina Forrest (Spallumcheen, B.C.), Mark Ideson (London, Ont.), Collinda Joseph (Ottawa), and Jon Thurston (Dunsford, Ont.)—represent one of the most seasoned Paralympic lineups in Canadian curling history. Four of the five return from the Beijing 2022 squad, where Canada secured a bronze medal, continuing a streak unmatched by any other nation in the sport.
A Sport Where Canada Has Never Missed the Podium
Wheelchair curling has been part of the Paralympic program since Torino 2006, and Canada remains the only country to medal at every Games since its debut. The team enters Milan-Cortina with a legacy of consistency and a renewed determination to protect that record.
Leaders Speak on Pride, Legacy, and the Road Ahead
Team skip Mark Ideson, set for his fourth Paralympic appearance and third as skip, emphasized the honour of competing again. He brings a personal collection of one gold and two bronze medals.
“Representing Canada at my fourth Paralympic Games is an incredible opportunity,” he said. “I’m lucky to be part of such an amazing group of athletes and staff, and we’re ready to take on the best teams in the world. Competing in such a historic venue will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and knowing we’ll have friends, family, and fans back in the stands makes it feel even more special.”
A Full-Circle Moment for Veteran Paralympian Ina Forrest
Co-captain Ina Forrest will compete in her fifth Paralympic Winter Games, carrying a remarkable record of two gold and two bronze medals. For Forrest, Milan-Cortina holds personal meaning.
“The opportunity to represent Canada at the Paralympics is an athlete’s dream,” she said. “There’s never a guarantee you’ll get to live that dream again, so each of my Paralympic experiences is something I truly treasure. This one is especially meaningful — I missed qualifying for the Torino 2006 team, which was a huge disappointment at the time, so competing in Milano Cortina 2026, 20 years later, feels like I’ve come full circle.”
Preparation Begins as Team Targets Another Podium Finish
With the roster now confirmed, Canada’s wheelchair curlers will begin final preparations, including training camps, international competition exposure, and strategic development sessions. The team aims to strengthen cohesion and refine its medal-winning formula ahead of the Games, where they expect strong competition from China, Sweden, the United States, and host nation Italy.
Looking Toward a Promising 2026 Campaign
As the first Canadian athletes officially named to the 2026 Paralympic contingent, the wheelchair curling team sets the tone for the national delegation. Their nomination marks not only a continuation of a storied Paralympic tradition but also a renewed pursuit of excellence on the world stage.
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