Swimmer Joseph Barker and Jeffrey Adams, who competes in the Athletics division, are two of the 143 athletes with Team Canada participating in 17 Paralympic sports. The Paralympic games run Sept. 6-17.
Also heading to Beijing with the team is athletic therapist Jerome Camacho. About 120 coaches, medical staff and trainers are joining Team Canada at the games.
"We're all looking forward to the excitement of the 13th Paralympic Summer Games," said the Canadian Paralympic Committee's Chef de Mission Debbie Low. "This will be an opportunity for Canada to shine on the international stage."
After finishing third overall in medals at the Paralympic games in Australia in 2000 and again in Greece in 2004, Team Canada officials said they're shooting for a top-five finish in China. Canada is sending athletes to compete in archery, athletics, wheelchair basketball (men's and women's), boccia, cycling, equestrian, fencing, goalball (men's and women's), judo, powerlifting, rowing, wheelchair rugby, sailing, shooting, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair tennis.
"I am forecasting a stellar performance by Canada's Paralympic athletes," said the Canadian Paralympic Committee's Assistant Chef de Mission Gaetan Tardif. "Paralympic athletes are truly phenomenal. They are amazing and inspiring, and I can't wait to see them perform in China."
About 145 countries are expected to compete in the games, which is up from 125 in 2000 in Sydney. There will be about 4,000 athletes participating.
cclay@mississauga.net
