One of Canada’s most greatest athletes, Chantal Petitclerc, will preside over the largest Canadian team ever to compete in a non-home Commonwealth Games when the Games begin in Glasgow, Scotland this coming week.
Ms. Petitclerc believes she is the first Paralympic athlete to be named chef de mission–the leader and spokesperson for Canadian athletes–for any multi-sport Games.
Ms. Petitclerc took up sports at the age of 13, a few months after losing the use of her legs in a farm accident. She went on to set world records in three different wheelchair racing distances and won 21 Paralympic medals, including 14 golds.
Canada is sending 265 athletes. They will compete in 16 of the 17 sports, with netball the only exception.
Veteran shooter Susan Nattrass will serve as Canada’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremonies.
Ms. Nattrass, who is 63, has appeared at six Olympic Games–most recently in 2008 in Beijing–and has won seven world titles in trap shooting.
She won the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s top athlete in 1981.
The Commonwealth Games are held every four years. Countries from the old British Empire compete.
The last one was held in Delhi, India in 2010. Canada finished fourth in the overall medal count, behind Australia, England and India.
Canada is aiming to finish in the top three in Glasgow.
The Glasgow Games begin Wednesday and close August 3.
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