Canadian Paralympians honoured with Jubilee medal

"I have loved every minute of my association with the Paralympic Movement and that is perhaps reward enough, however being recognised with such luminaries is a distinct pleasure."

Seventy of Canada's Olympians, Paralympians, coaches and builders gathered in both Vancouver and Ottawa on Friday (25 January) to be honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Recipients were awarded their medal by the Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Bal Gosal and Minister Gordon O'Connor, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip.

"It's an amazing honour to receive a Diamond Jubilee medal," said Jason Dunkerley, who won silver and bronze medals in athletics at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

"It's something that I'll look back at and cherish forever. I owe the chance to represent Canada and to medal in London to the incredible support of the people around me – my wife Colleen, my guide runner Josh Karanja, my coach Ian Clark, family and friends. I'd like to thank these people for being a part of this honour and for supporting me to do something that I love."

The Diamond Jubilee medals provide an opportunity to honour exceptional Canadians for their contributions to their fellow citizens, communities and country. During the year of celebrations, 60,000 deserving Canadians from across the country and various walks of life will be recognised.

"I am sincerely proud and thrilled to be recognised with such a significant award," said David Legg, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

"I have loved every minute of my association with the Paralympic Movement and that is perhaps reward enough, however being recognised with such luminaries is a distinct pleasure."

The following people were recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. All London 2012 athletes will be receiving the Diamond Jubilee medal. These names announced are of those who were present at the awards events held in Vancouver and Ottawa.

Paralympians

Kevin Evans, archery

Nathan Dewitt, athletics

Braedon Dolfo, athletics

Dustin Walsh, athletics

Dylan Williamson, athletics Guide

Josh Vander Vies, boccia, 2012 bronze medallist

Doug Ripley, goalball

Meghan Montgomery, rowing

Joan Reid, rowing

Tony Theriault, rowing

Stacie Louttit, sailing, 2008 bronze medallist

John McRoberts, sailing, 2008 bronze medallist

Doug Blessin, shooting

Christos Trifonidis, shooting

Scott Patterson, swimming, 2002 bronze medallist (alpine skiing)

Nathan Stein, swimming, 2012 silver medallist

Janet McLachlan, wheelchair basketball

Jessica Vliegenthart, wheelchair basketball

Ian Chan, wheelchair rugby, 2012 silver, 2008 bronze, 2004 silver medallist

Trevor Hirschfield, wheelchair rugby, 2012 silver medallist, 2008 bronze medallist

Travis Murao, wheelchair rugby, 2012 silver medallist

Jason Dunkerley, athletics, 2012 silver and bronze medallist, 2008 bronze medallist, 2004 silver medallist, 2000 silver medallist

Jonathan Dunkerley, athletics

Joshua Karanja, athletics guide, 2012 silver and bronze medallist

Brianna Jennett-McNeill, swimming

Canadian Paralympic Committee

Josh Dueck, Athlete, Para-Alpine Skiing, 2010 Silver Medallist

Michael Edgson, Athlete, Swimming/Builder/Coach, 1992 Gold (five-time) and Silver medallist, 1998 Gold medallist (eight-time); 1984 Gold (four-time) and Silver medallist

Jennifer Krempien, Athlete, Wheelchair Basketball, 2004 Bronze 2000/1996/1992 Gold medallist

Lilo Ljubisic, Athlete, Athletics, 1996 Bronze medallist (two-time), 1992 Gold and Silver medallist, 1988 Bronze medallist

Tyler Mosher, Athlete, Para-Nordic

Patrick Harris, Builder

Laurel Crosby, Builder

John Cumberbirch, Builder

Jane James, Builder

Terrie Moore, Builder

Isabel Reinertson, Builder

Elisabeth Walker-Young, Builder/Athlete, Swimming, 2004 Bronze medallist, 2000 Gold medalist (three-time), 1996 Bronze medallist

Annie Johnston, Builder

Tim Frick, Coach

Reg Shaw, Coach

Herb Torrance, Coach

Janet Dunn, Coach/Builder

David Legg, Builder

Jordan Bridal, Builder

Michelle Killins, Builder

Linda Sheehan, Builder

Lorette Dupuis, Builder

Dr. Richard Goudie, Builder

Blair McIntosh, Builder

Dr. Jennifer McTavish, Builder

Craig McCord, Coach

Carla Qualtrough, Builder

Andrea Carey, Builder

Rob Needham, Builder

Gaétan Tardif, Builder

Jim Westlake, Builder

Hugh Conlin, Coach

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Canada's coaches, athletes and Paralympic builders received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Minister of State (Sport), the Honourable Bal Gosal.