Mexico celebrates a new chapter for Para ice hockey in Latin America

Imagine taking your first steps in a new sport alongside some of the world’s best. That is what happened in Mexico last week, when Mexican and Brazilian athletes beginning their journey on the ice had the opportunity to practice with female and male players from Canada and the United States under the guidance of international coaches.

The first World Para Hockey (WPIH) Development Camp held in Latin America took place at the Pista de Hielo Santa Fe, outside Mexico City, from 21 to 25 May. The camp concluded with an exhibition game featuring mixed teams of participant athletes. 

“This is like a dream coming true. We are really proud to be part of the first Brazilian Para ice hockey team,” said Wilson Trama, one of four Brazilian players at the camp, alongside Eliane Momesso, Yezza Santos Sousa and Denis Albert de Oliveira.

Mexico was represented by 12 players identified to be part of a pilot programme. Others also came to try the sport for the first time on the final day of the camp following an open invitation shared on social media.

“A lot of people showed up, not only coming from Mexico City but from all over the country, and we’re pretty sure they will fall in love with Para ice hockey,” said Jorge Jimenez Galindo, Local Organising Committee Member.

Canada and the USA sent some of their most experienced players to the WPIH Development Camp, including five Paralympic medallists: USA’s Ralph DeQuebec and Kevin McKee, and Canada's Adam Dixon, James Dunn and Tyler McGregor.

Dixon, who is also assistant coach of Canada’s women’s national team, mentored Team Mexico throughout the camp and joined local players for the exhibition game.

“We put on display at the game the culmination of all the skills we learned this week,” Dixon explained. 

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Six players who competed in the inaugural Women’s World Para Ice Hockey Championships last year in Slovakia also took part in the development camp: the USA’s Erica McKee, Hope Magelky, Jamie Benassi, and Kelsey DiClaudio – who was nominated for the Laureus World Sports Awards for her performance at Dolny Kubin 2025 – as well as Canada’s Alanna Mah and Maggie Manning. 

“It was a blast being able to share my passion for the game with so many incredible people! I can’t wait to see what the future holds. It’s so exciting seeing Para ice hockey continue to grow,” DiClaudio posted on social media.

The WPIH Development Camp was hosted by COPAME, Mexico’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC).  

“This camp represents an invaluable opportunity to learn from countries that are global references in this discipline and to adopt important technical tools and methodologies,” said Miguel Angel Garcia Meza, President of NPC Mexico. “We want to thank all participant nations and World Para Ice Hockey for the first international camp held in our country. This initiative reflects the commitment to continue opening spaces for everyone, creating new opportunities and demonstrating that winter sports can also be developed in Mexico.”