Posted: March 14, 2006

Commonwealth Games: Canadians march into Melbourne's Commonwealth Games

Canadian athletes are set to carry the nation's proud sporting tradition to Melbourne, Australia, when they take on the best of the Commonwealth at the XVIII Commonwealth Games from March 15 to 26.

The Canadian team, comprised of 253 athletes from across the country, will compete in 17 sports over the 11-day period, including boxing, diving, swimming, athletics and gymnastics, in all of which Canadians have traditionally done well.

“I remember how incredible an experience the 2002 Commonwealth Games were for me,” says gymnast Kyle Shewfelt (Calgary, AB), who won three medals in Manchester (two gold, one silver) and was a gold medalist at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. “This is actually my first major competition since Athens and plays a very important role in my preparations for the future.”

Canada is also strong in Commonwealth sport staples such as rugby 7s and lawn bowls. In addition, Elite Athletes with a Disability (EAD) are expected to perform well in swimming and athletics.

“I won the gold in Manchester and I hope to defend my title,” says Chantal Petitclerc, (Montreal, QC), the world record holder in the 800-metre wheelchair event and a six-time gold medalist at the 2004 Paralympics. “The Commonwealth Games itself has a different meaning to me than other athletes because it also offers full inclusion to athletes with disabilities.”

Coming off a record-breaking 24-medal performance at the Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy, a few short weeks ago, Canada will look to build on the country's emerging reputation as a sport power when it fields many of its best summer athletes at this year's Commonwealth Games.

“We're into a new era in Canadian sport and the athletes, coaches and support staff here in Melbourne are confident about our preparations and excited about the performances to come,” says Dr. Ross Outerbridge, Chef de Mission for Team Canada. “I can tell you there is a powerful, positive attitude amongst the Canadian athletes here. We're aiming for a top-three finish in the medal count.”

Chantal Petitclerc Named Flag Bearer for Commonwealth Games Team

Melbourne, Australia – It’s a first for a Canadian team at a Commonwealth, Olympic or Pan American Games.

An elite athlete with a disability will carry Canada’s flag into the Opening Ceremonies at the 18th Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.

The selection of wheelchair athlete Chantal Petitclerc of Montreal, QC, was announced at a formal event to honour Canadian athletes on the eve of the Melbourne Games.

“It’s so fitting that I would be given this honour at a Commonwealth Games,” said Petitclerc after the announcement. “In Manchester in 2002, EAD (Elite Athletes with a Disability) results were included in each country’s medal total. This announcement is further proof of how inclusive the Commonwealth Games really are.”

Paralyzed in both legs since the age of 13, Petitclerc is Canada’s most decorated Paralympian. Since the 1992 Paralympic Summer Games in Barcelona, she has earned a total of 16 medals, including five gold at the 2004 Games in Athens.

She is the current world-record holder in the 100m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m and is the defending Commonwealth Games champion at the 800m distance.

“Chantal Petitclerc is an inspiration to all Canadians,” added Dr. Ross Outerbridge, Chef de Mission for the Canadian team. “I can’t imagine a more fitting or more deserving flag bearer to represent us – and the entire country – at these Opening Ceremonies.”

“I never imagined having such an incredible opportunity,” said Petitclerc, 36. “I hope it inspires other athletes with a disability to realize that anything is possible.”

Petitclerc will lead more than 200 Canadian athletes into the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday evening. She will begin competition on Tuesday, March 21st in the 800m wheelchair race.

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