November 27, 2023

Photo Credit: Dave Holland

Sunday November 26 marked the conclusion of the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games, with the Closing Ceremony. Two-time gold medalist in Boccia, Alison Levine, was named Team Canada’s flag bearer.  

Canada made a comeback in medal standings, finishing in eighth. Athletes with ties to Saskatchewan earned two medals at the Games, one silver and one bronze, contributing to Canada’s overall total of 52 (nine gold, 15 silver and 28 bronze).  

Here’s how Saskatchewan athletes did the final days of the Games on Saturday, Nov. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 26: 

Nik Goncin and Garrett Ostepchuk, Men’s Wheelchair Basketball 

The Regina duo with Team Canada earned a spot on the podium after they claimed bronze defeating Argentina 70-62 in Saturday’s final. 

Keely Shaw, Para Cycling 

After claiming Saskatchewan’s first medal, Shaw competed in her final race of the Games on Sunday. 

She placed fifth in the women’s C4-5 Road Race final, with a time of 1:47.18, clocking in a tenth of a second behind the United States in fourth. 

Women’s C1-5 500-m individual time trial final – 7^th 

Women’s C4-5 3000-m individual pursuit – 2^nd 

Women’s C4-5 road race – 5^th 

Women’s C1-5 individual time trial – 4^th 

And here’s a recap of what happened for Saskatchewan athletes earlier in the Games: 

Wyatt Lightfoot, Para Badminton – SH6 Individual 

Lightfoot, who was born in Assiniboia, fell short of qualifying for men’s singles semifinals and was ranked fifth overall.  

Myriam Soliman, Para Swimming 

Born in Quebec, but training out of Saskatoon, Soliman competed in numerous races during her time in Santiago. 

Women’s 100-metre backstroke S7 – 6th 

Women’s 100-m Breaststroke SB7 – 6^th 

Women’s 100-m freestyle S7 – 8th  

Women’s 200-m individual medley SM7 – 6th 

Women’s 50-m butterfly S7 – 4th 

Women’s 50-m freestyle S8 – 12th 

Mixed 4×100-m freestyle relay – 5th 

Mixed 4×100-m medley relay – 6th 

Mitch McIntyre, Wheelchair Tennis – Quad Singles & Doubles 

In his second Parpan American Games appearance, McIntyre finished fifth in both quad singles and doubles. 

Brendan Cote-Williamson, Para Athletics – T47 Racing 

Saskatoon’s Brendan Cote-Williamson was announced to compete at the Games but withdrew. 

Coaches  

Frank Gaudet, Coach – Para Badminton   

Regina’s Gaudet guided Canada’s Para badminton team throughout the Games.

Carla Nicholls, Coach – Para Athletics

Nicholls, who hails from Regina, helped lead Canada’s Para athletics team to multiple medals at the event.

Support Staff  

Al Bodnarchuk, Massage – Para Athletics   

Al Bodnarchuk is a Saskatoon based Massage Therapist who aided in the support and physical health of those who competed in athletics.