Wheelchair Rugby Canada is delighted by today’s announcement that national wheelchair rugby team member Mike Whitehead has been elected to the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s Athletes’ Council.

Mike is a veteran force on Canada’s national team, having competed in the last four Paralympic Games (two silvers and one bronze), five world championships (1-1-2) and two Parapan Am Games (one gold and one silver).

Whitehead is elected alongside Ina Forrest (wheelchair curling) and Erica Gavel (wheelchair basketball). The three will join incumbent members Rob Armstrong (Para ice hockey), Jennifer Brown (Para athletics), Alison Levine (boccia), and chair Tony Walby (Para judo), all of whom are halfway through their four-year terms.

The CPC Athletes’ Council is an elected group of current and retired Paralympians who serve as the collective voice of the athletes, advocating for the best interests of Canada’s Paralympic athletes and the Paralympic Movement within Canada.

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Mike Whitehead, National Team Athlete and Athletes Council Member:

“Today is a memorable day for me. To be elected to the CPC Athletes Council, by Paralympians I look up to, is very humbling. I am honored to serve on the council, and I would like thank my fellow Paralympians for their support.”

Tony Walby, Chair of the Athletes’ Council:

“We are excited to welcome Ina and Mike, as well as welcome back Erica, to the council and look forward to starting our work with them. The Paralympic Movement in Canada is filled with so many superb athletes, and all three incoming council members are experienced athletes who bring valued perspectives and ideas to the table. 

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ABOUT WHEELCHAIR RUGBY CANADA

Wheelchair Rugby Canada is the national governing body for the Canadian Heritage Sport of wheelchair rugby. Wheelchair Rugby Canada strives to be a world-leader in wheelchair rugby, a respected advocate for wheelchair athletes and a visionary organization committed to excellence in programs from recruitment to retirement.

MEDIA CONTACT

Ben Parker-Jones
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Wheelchair Rugby Canada
ben@wheelchairrugby.ca or 613-523-0004