(March 5, 2026 - Victoria, BC)

As the world turns toward the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, Canadian para athletes are preparing to compete on the global stage. Team Canada’s 50 athletes will be be bringing passion, resilience, and world-class performance to Italy, ready to capture the world’s attention. With the opening ceremonies set for March 6, the Games will provide a powerful platform for these athletes to showcase their talents and represent Canada with pride.

A Strong B.C. Presence on Canada’s Paralympic Team

Team Canada will be represented by a talented roster of athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, with a significant number connected to British Columbia. Athletes who were born in, reside in, or train within the province highlight B.C.’s meaningful contribution to Canada’s Paralympic succes

COPSIN Press Release
WHT-1
Many of these athletes are affiliated with Canadian Sport Institute Pacific (CSI Pacific) or the Regional Sport Alliance, underscoring the vital role these organizations play in supporting daily training environments and preparing athletes to perform on the world’s biggest stage. Quick Facts: Milano Cortina 2026 Team Canada Paralympic Winter Games “Congratulations to the outstanding B.C. athletes gearing up to represent our province and country at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Your hard work and incredible achievements have already inspired people across British Columbia and Canada and we are so proud. As you head onto the world stage, excitement is building to watch you showcase your power, passion, and determination, and to see the strength of Canadian sport and the spirit of British Columbia shine through every performance.” “CSI Pacific is incredibly proud of the athletes who have trained, prepared, and are now ready to compete on the world stage,” said Wendy Pattenden, CEO of Canadian Sport Institute Pacific. “The strong presence of B.C.-connected athletes at the Paralympics reflects not only their commitment and perseverance, but also the collaborative support of national and provincial sport partners working together to power performance.” “The Paralympic Games champions the cause of inclusivity on and off the field of play and encourages increased participation, enhanced fairness, and promotes innovation and teamwork to make sport better for everyone,” said Andrew Price, CEO, viaSport BC. “The Games are an opportunity to witness the remarkable achievements of BC’s high-performance athletes with disabilities.” The success of these athletes is supported by a strong network of partners, including Sport Canada and Own the Podium, National Sport Organizations, Provincial Sport Organizations, the Province of British Columbia, viaSport, and Regional Sport Alliance partners. Together, these organizations create an environment where athletes can thrive and pursue Paralympic success.

British Columbia’s Impact on Sport Success at Home and Abroad

Several key factors position British Columbia as a leader in Canada’s high-performance sport system:

Government Investment
The Province of British Columbia invests significantly in sport each year, providing a strong foundation for athlete development and performance across the province.

viaSport’s Leadership
viaSport plays a central role in strengthening and advancing amateur sport in B.C., supporting a more inclusive, connected, and effective sport system for athletes and coaches through provincial and regional partners.

CSI Pacific’s Expertise
Canadian Sport Institute Pacific delivers integrated performance services and technical leadership to Canada’s high-performance athletes and coaches. Guided by its mantra Collaborate. Serve. Innovate. Perform., CSI Pacific provides access to world-class facilities, expertise, and innovations that empower athletes and coaches to reach their full potential.

Collaboration Across the Sport System
Partnerships with National and Provincial Sport Organizations support long-term athlete development and high-performance pathways across multiple Olympic and Paralympic sports, ensuring athletes receive coordinated, expert support throughout their journey.

BC Games Society’s Role
The BC Games Society introduces developing athletes to multi-sport competition and the high-performance pathway through the BC Winter and BC Summer Games, while also managing Team BC for the Canada Games and fostering sport excellence across the province.

Additional Facts on B.C.’s Contribution to Team Canada

  • Athletes benefiting from CSI Pacific and/or Regional Sport Alliance services in the lead-up to the Games: 16
  • Percentage of Paralympians affiliated with at least one COPSIN institute or centre: 98%
  • CSI Pacific experts attending in professional roles:
    • Christie Gialloreto – Mental Performance (with Snowboard)
    • Laura Stenger – Strength & Conditioning (with Snowboard)

Follow All The Paralympic Action

B.C.-connected athletes supported by CSI Pacific, viaSport, the Province of British Columbia, and key partners are ready to deliver exceptional performances on the world stage at Milano Cortina 2026.

Stay up to date on the achievements of B.C.-connected para athletes through CSI Pacific’s daily coverage throughout the Games. Each update will feature results, athlete stories, hometown connections, and competition schedules.

Subscribe to the FORZA CANADA! (“Go Canada!”) newsletter for daily updates and behind-the-scenes coverage: https://www.csipacific.ca/newsletter-2/

 

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About Canadian Sport Institute Pacific

Offering world-class Olympic and Paralympic training environments in Vancouver, Whistler and Victoria, Canadian Sport Institute Pacific (www.csipacific.ca) is committed to Powering Performance. Inspiring Excellence. Working with national sport organizations and fuelled by our national and provincial partners such as Sport Canada, viaSport, Own the Podium, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Coaches Association of Canada, we are driven by our mantra to Collaborate. Serve. Innovate. Perform.

Our team of sport science, sport medicine, coaching & life services experts provide leading-edge programs and services to athletes and coaches to ensure they have every advantage to win medals for Canada. Learn more: https://www.csipacific.ca 

About The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sports Institute Network (COPSIN)

With seven locations across Canada, the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN) partners with National Sport Organizations (NSOs) and the high-performance sport community to deliver world-class performance services and applied sport science research projects.

COPSIN is a key performance partner in the implementation of the priorities of the National High-Performance Strategy including the Game Plan program, mental health and safe sport.

Find out more at  www.copsin.ca

For more information, contact:
Noah Wheelock
Senior Manager, Communications & Operations
CSI Pacific
250.813.3474
nwheelock@csipacific.ca