November 27, 2023
Photo Credit: Dave Holland
Sunday November 26 marked the conclusion of the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games, with the Closing Ceremony. Two-time gold medalist in Boccia, Alison Levine, was named Team Canada’s flag bearer.
Canada made a comeback in medal standings, finishing in eighth. Athletes with ties to Saskatchewan earned two medals at the Games, one silver and one bronze, contributing to Canada’s overall total of 52 (nine gold, 15 silver and 28 bronze).
Here’s how Saskatchewan athletes did the final days of the Games on Saturday, Nov. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 26:
Nik Goncin and Garrett Ostepchuk, Men’s Wheelchair Basketball
The Regina duo with Team Canada earned a spot on the podium after they claimed bronze defeating Argentina 70-62 in Saturday’s final.
Keely Shaw, Para Cycling
After claiming Saskatchewan’s first medal, Shaw competed in her final race of the Games on Sunday.
She placed fifth in the women’s C4-5 Road Race final, with a time of 1:47.18, clocking in a tenth of a second behind the United States in fourth.
Women’s C1-5 500-m individual time trial final – 7th
Women’s C4-5 3000-m individual pursuit – 2nd
Women’s C4-5 road race – 5th
Women’s C1-5 individual time trial – 4th
And here’s a recap of what happened for Saskatchewan athletes earlier in the Games:
Wyatt Lightfoot, Para Badminton – SH6 Individual
Lightfoot, who was born in Assiniboia, fell short of qualifying for men’s singles semifinals and was ranked fifth overall.
Myriam Soliman, Para Swimming
Born in Quebec, but training out of Saskatoon, Soliman competed in numerous races during her time in Santiago.
Women’s 100-metre backstroke S7 – 6th
Women’s 100-m Breaststroke SB7 – 6th
Women’s 100-m freestyle S7 – 8th
Women’s 200-m individual medley SM7 – 6th
Women’s 50-m butterfly S7 – 4th
Women’s 50-m freestyle S8 – 12th
Mixed 4×100-m freestyle relay – 5th
Mixed 4×100-m medley relay – 6th
Mitch McIntyre, Wheelchair Tennis – Quad Singles & Doubles
In his second Parpan American Games appearance, McIntyre finished fifth in both quad singles and doubles.
Brendan Cote-Williamson, Para Athletics – T47 Racing
Saskatoon’s Brendan Cote-Williamson was announced to compete at the Games but withdrew.
Coaches
Frank Gaudet, Coach – Para Badminton
Regina’s Gaudet guided Canada’s Para badminton team throughout the Games.
Carla Nicholls, Coach – Para Athletics
Nicholls, who hails from Regina, helped lead Canada’s Para athletics team to multiple medals at the event.
Support Staff
Al Bodnarchuk, Massage – Para Athletics
Al Bodnarchuk is a Saskatoon based Massage Therapist who aided in the support and physical health of those who competed in athletics.