Events
Canadian para-badminton athletes show off their incredible talents at the Santiago 2023 Parapan Am Games
November 30, 2023
Canadian para- badminton athletes bring home an amazing 4 medals from the 2023 Santiago Parapan Am Games.
The 2023 ParaPan Am Games in Santiago Chile, were a spectacular showcase of athletic prowess, with some of the world's best para-athletes competing in various events, including Men's and Women's Singles and Doubles. The games were filled with excitement, tension, and moments of pure brilliance, with several Canadian athletes rising to the occasion and winning medals.
In the Men's Singles SH6, Justin Kendrick played with great determination but unfortunately lost in group play, while Wyatt Lightfoot made it to the Quarter Finals but couldn't advance further. However, William Roussy delivered a phenomenal performance in Men’s Singles SL3, winning a silver medal in an intense final match against his opponent (11-21, 21-18, 21-15), much to the delight of his fans.
“Participating in the Parapan American Games in Santiago was an unforgettable experience that will remain in my memory forever.” said silver medalist William Roussy. “Before entering the field, when I was waiting, I was very feverish. Each time, I got chills. I worked very hard for this competition and this medal shows me that my efforts paid off. You have to dare to believe in your dreams to make them come true. The audience was on fire! I thank everyone who supported me throughout the Games. An experience and a silver medal that are worth gold!”
In the Men's Singles SL3, Pascal Lapointe showed great effort and made it to the semi-finals, where he narrowly missed out on the bronze medal to Brazilian player Breno Eduardo Johann. Meanwhile, in the Men's Singles WH2, Bernard Lapointe played like a true champion and won a commanding bronze medal in straight games (21-8, 21-4), which was a testament to his hard work and dedication.
The Women's Singles SL4 saw Olivia Meier win a well-deserved bronze medal against her Peruvian opponent, while Yuka Chokyu put up a brilliant fight and won a bronze medal in the Women's Singles WH1, after an impressive match against Amy Laura Burnett from the USA.
In the Men's Doubles WH1/WH2 event, Candian pair Bernard and Mikhail teamed up and played some outstanding badminton, making it to the semi-finals, but were unable to defeat the eventual gold medal winners from Brazil. Finally, in the Mixed Doubles SH6, Colleen Cloetta and Justin Kendrick played some exciting matches and ended up in 4th place for their first Parapan Am Games, which was a commendable achievement.
“Our national Para Badminton team performed exceptionally well at the 2023 pan american games in Santiago, Chile.” said para- badminton coach Elliott Beals. “For our team to medal at these games is always a positive experience. We look forward to the next 4 years of Para Badminton in Canada.”
Overall, the ParaPan Am Games were a great success, with the athletes giving their all and displaying their immense skill and sportsmanship. To all the winners, athletes, coaches and support staff congratulations on your hard-fought victories and for being true ambassadors of the spirit of the Games.