Petitclerc named to Canadian Senate

“This latest appointment shows once again how increasingly well respected para-athletes are becoming on and off the field of play, and I have no doubt that Chantal will excel in this role.”

The Canadian Paralympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has congratulated 14-time Paralympic champion Chantal Petitclerc, Chef de Mission for Canada at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, on her appointment to the Canadian Senate.

"On behalf of the Paralympic community, I would like to congratulate Chantal for this appointment," said Gaetan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

"Chantal is such a strong role model for all Canadians. She is recognised around the world for her Paralympic achievements and her leadership both on and off the field of play.

“We are very proud to have Chantal lead our team at the Paralympic Games in Rio in September. Her professionalism, passion and commitment to excellence has and will continue to have a positive impact on our Canadian athletes. We are confident that she will carry on these strong attributes in her new role as Senator."

IPC President, Sir Philip Craven, also sent his best wishes to Petitclerc: “Chantal is one of the most successful Paralympians of all time, and I wish her the very best as she continues to take her knowledge and experience from her days on the track into this exciting new venture.

“This latest appointment shows once again how increasingly well respected para-athletes are becoming on and off the field of play, and I have no doubt that Chantal will excel in this role.”

Petitclerc competed at five Paralympic Games between 1992 and 2008, winning 21 medals in wheelchair racing. Since her retirement she has become a successful public speaker, broadcaster and athlete mentor.

Peticlerc’s new role follows the appointment of two-time Paralympian Carla Qualtrough as Canada’s Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities in November 2015.