David Eng, the veteran wheelchair basketball star, was chosen to carry the flag and lead the Canadian team into the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro tomorrow evening.
Eng was on the Canadian teams that won Paralympic gold in 2004 and 2012, as well as silver in 2008. Rio will be Eng’s fourth Games
Chantal Petitclerc, Canada’s chef de mission, and a former flag-bearer, in a press release, described David Eng as an “impact player on the court” and she noted how he “is known for his aggressive and vocal style of play and his ability to make the players around him better.”
“Being selected as the flag-bearer at my fourth Paralympics is the highest honour I could receive for dedicating my life and heart to the Paralympic movement.”
In 2009 Eng was Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s male athlete of the year and he also won the Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association award for male athlete of the year.
Eng developed a leg length discrepancy when he was young, and was introduced to wheelchair basketball by his uncle, former national team member Gérald Brûlé.
Originally from Montreal, Eng went on to a great university career winning a national championship at the University of Texas at Arlington while earning four consecutive All-American awards.
He played in two NBA/NWBA All-Star Wheelchair Classics, which take place during the NBA’s all-star weekend. Eng was voted Most Valuable Player during the 2014 and 2015 showcases.
“I am really grateful for this amazing opportunity to carry the Canadian flag for my country at the Opening Ceremony in Rio,” Eng said in a press release.
“Being selected as the flag-bearer at my fourth Paralympics is the highest honour I could receive for dedicating my life and heart to the Paralympic movement.”
Canada has a 162 athletes competing in 19 sports in these Paralympics. Chantal Petitclerc said the team is young, and they’re hoping to finish in the top-16.
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