PyeongChang 2018: Marie Wright enjoying first Paralympics

“My grandchildren love going to school and talk to their friends about how their grandma is competing at the Winter Paralympics. And they get so excited about that.”

“Never give up.”

Nothing would ever be the same for Marie Wright after that car accident in 1988 which left her paraplegic. She was back at home some months later following a long rehabilitation process, but her husband left her after two years and she found herself taking care of her four children alone.

With little ground for optimism, Wright managed to keep it and moved forward. She used to play ice hockey as a goalkeeper, but her responsibility as a mother made her move away from sports.

“I used to live in a small community with no opportunity to get on the ice with my sledge. Started raising my children and got away from the sport a little bit,” she explained.

Some years later, however, she received an invitation she could not refuse. “I had people telling me to try wheelchair curling. So one day I got on the ice and absolutely loved it,” said Wright.

“I love being on the ice and the friendship with our teammates in the team. Wheelchair curling is such a wonderful and social game, everyone should try it.”

Now, the 57-year-old is part of the Canadian team going for a fourth successive Winter Paralympic gold at PyeongChang 2018. Tara and Kyla, two of her daughters, are cheering for from the stands of the Gangneung Curling Centre.

Her other daughters Jolene and Rachelle, together with her grandchildren and the rest of the family support her from home in Canada.

“It is wonderful to see my kids in the stands and seeing them there. My grandchildren are not here. I wish they could come but it is so expensive. We just stay in contact as much as I can, and it is great to know they are back at home cheering for me,” she said.

“My grandchildren love going to school and talk to their friends about how their grandma is competing at the Winter Paralympics. And they get so excited about that.”

There are two female players in the Canadian team, with Wright and Ina Forrest. “I feel great as we are two pretty strong women. I am happy to be part of this,” said Wright.

“I have a lot of people, friends, women friends, who tell me I am a huge inspiration to them so it helps me to keep going and smiling. That keeps me motivated.”

With resilience and the support of her family, Wright lives and competes following her philosophy of “never giving up.

“I do feel that if you put your mind into it and work hard, all will come.”

Tickets for PyeongChang 2018 can be purchased here.

Every competition as well as the Closing Ceremony can be watched live right here on the International Paralympic Committee’s website. Highlights of each day’s action will also be made available.