Excellence Series Gives Canadians Head Start for Future Games

The Canadian Paralympic Committee’s first Paralympic Excellence Series came to a close last week giving athletes the perfect start to their preparations for Mexico, London and Sochi.

The inaugural Paralympic Excellence Series at Carleton University brought together over 100 top medal potential athletes, coaches, support staff and specialists to learn from each other and enhance preparation for future Games. Under the theme of "Team Canada: Performing at Games," speakers addressed topics such as team building, sports psychology, career planning and motivation.

"Now more than ever, Paralympic sport is a key component of the Canadian sport system," said Rob Needham, the Canadian Paralympic Committee's Executive Director, Sport. "For Canadian Paralympic athletes and coaches to continue to build upon the success they experienced in Vancouver, it's essential to equip them with leading-edge strategies and practical skills to complement their day-to-day training as they prepare for upcoming Games. The Canadian Paralympic Committee looks forward to continuing to develop innovative approaches to enhance the preparation of Canadian Paralympic Teams."

With the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games as a catalyst, the Canadian Paralympic Committee's resources and scope are at an all-time high. Following Vancouver, the Canadian Paralympic Committee articulated a bold new vision: to be the world's leading Paralympic Nation. The Paralympic Excellence Series is one crucial step towards that goal.

"It was amazing to hear other athletes' stories and strategies that will make future Paralympians stronger competitors," said Michelle Stilwell, a world record holder and Paralympic gold medallist in wheelchair racing. "I think the whole week has brought many of the sports together, so we have a team vision when we go to the Games."

Upcoming Games include the Guadalajara 2011 Parapan American Games, the London 2012 Paralympic Games and the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.