British Columbia’s own Nathan Bennett and Ontario’s Chantal Hennessy have been chosen as the flag bearers for the Paralympic closing ceremonies in Paris.
Bennett, a 27-year-old wheelchair rugby player from Terrace, B.C., has been a key member of the Canadian team since 2013. He helped lead the team to a silver medal at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and has also won gold at the 2014 and 2018 World Championships.
Hennessy, a 41-year-old wheelchair basketball player from Ottawa, Ont., has been a member of the Canadian team since 2006. She has competed in three Paralympic Games, winning gold in 2012 and bronze in 2016. She has also won gold at the 2014 and 2018 World Championships.
Both athletes were chosen by their teammates to lead the Canadian delegation during the closing ceremonies on Sunday, September 5th.
The Paralympic closing ceremonies will mark the end of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, which were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian team has had a successful run, winning 21 medals so far, including five gold, 10 silver, and six bronze.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee’s Chef de Mission, Stephanie Dixon, expressed her pride in Bennett and Hennessy as flag bearers, stating that they are both incredible athletes and leaders who have represented Canada with excellence.
The closing ceremonies will also feature a performance by Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara, who will be performing her hit song “Scars to Your Beautiful” in both English and French.
The Paralympic Games have been a source of inspiration and celebration for athletes with disabilities from around the world. The closing ceremonies will be a fitting end to this year’s Games, showcasing the determination, resilience, and sportsmanship of all the athletes who have competed.
As the Paralympic Games come to a close, Canadians can look back with pride at the accomplishments of our athletes and the values they represent. Congratulations to Nathan Bennett, Chantal Hennessy, and all the Canadian Paralympians for their incredible performances and for being chosen as flag bearers for the closing ceremonies.
