Canadian Paralympic Committee Welcomes New Sports onto Rio Programme

16 Dec 2010 By IPC

The Canadian Paralympic Committee congratulates both Para-Canoe and Para-Triathlon on their inclusion in the Paralympic Programme for the Rio 2016 Games and welcomes them into the Paralympic Movement.

Para-canoe and Para-Triathlon will become a part of the Paralympic Games at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, which take place from 7-18 September 2016. Until that time the Canadian Paralympic Committee will continue to grow these sports domestically to ensure a winning Canadian Paralympic Team.

Having been voted in, para-canoe and para-triathlon join the 20 summer sports already on the programme, which include, Archery, Athletics, Boccia, Cycling, Equestrian, Football 5-a-side, Football 7-a-side, Goalball, Judo, Powerlifting, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Sitting Volleyball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Fencing, Wheelchair Tennis and Wheelchair Rugby.

Canadian Paralympic Committee President David Legg said: "By adding para-canoe and para-triathlon, the International Paralympic Committee has made it possible for more athletes with a disability to compete at a high-performance level and represent their country. It also illustrates that the Paralympic Games continues to grow in size and popularity.

Triathlon Canada’s Executive Director Alan Trivett said: "Since making its debut in the Olympic Games in 2000, triathlon has emerged as one of the fastest growing sports at all levels in Canada, and around the world, and there is no question in our mind, it will continue to grow with the induction of Para-Triathlon into the Paralympic lineup.

Chair of the International Canoe Federation's Canoeing For All Committee John Edwards said: “Inclusion onto the Paralympic programme is part of CanoeKayak Canada's continuing efforts to keep re-imagining itself to be a more significant and more successful sport. Many members of CanoeKayak Canada have provided leadership in their clubs, provinces and nationally. They deserve an enormous amount of credit for moving this project ahead so quickly."