Canada announce Rio 2016 canoe team

Five-time world champion Christina Gauthier and 19-year-old Erica Scarff will make up Canada’s canoe team at Rio 2016, following an announcement made by Canoe Kayak Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee on Monday (27 June).

“It is very exciting for our paddlers to be going to the Paralympic Games for the first time,” said Canada’s Para canoe coach Marc Creamer.

“Christine has been in the sport for many years and it is great to see her now headed to a Paralympic Games. Erica is newer to the sport and she has developed very quickly. Both have the talent to be in the medal mix.”

Christine Gauthier (K1) was in the regular force field artillery for 10 years and suffered injuries on her knees, hips, neck and back after jumping into a deep hole and having a bad landing. She then decided to take up Para canoe as an outing with her sisters.

Scarff, a below knee amputee, finished seventh and sixth at the 2015 and 2016 World Championships, respectively, and is considered a future star in Para canoe.

“Congratulations to Christine and Erica,” said Canada’s Chef de Mission Chantal Petitclerc.

“It is very exciting to have Para canoe in the Paralympic Games family for the first time, so this will be an historic moment for our two paddlers.”

Canada’s Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities Carla Qualtrough said: “I am proud to see Canadian athletes taking part in an historic moment this summer in Rio.

“I join all Canadians, and especially our young people on lakes and rivers across the country, in wishing our Paralympic athletes the very best as they push for the podium this summer in Rio.”

The Para canoe Rio 2016 events will take place between 14 and 15 September at the Lagoa Stadium.

More information is available on the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s website.

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Sport fans from around the world can now buy their Paralympic tickets for Rio 2016 from authorised ticket resellers (ATRs)

The IPC’s Global ATR is Jet Set Sports, and Rio 2016 tickets and packages can be purchased on the CoSport website.

Residents of Brazil can buy 2016 Paralympics tickets directly from the Rio 2016 website.

Visa International is the exclusive payment card and the official payment system for the Paralympic Games.