(Paris) Swimmer Nicholas Bennett and paracanoeist Brianna Hennessy will be Canada’s flag bearers at the closing ceremonies of the Paris Paralympic Games.
Bennett, 20, has won two gold medals and a silver medal in the pool.
PHOTO MICHAEL P. HALL, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Nicholas Bennett
Hennessy, of Ottawa, became the first Canadian woman to win a medal in paracanoe, with a silver on Saturday.
PHOTO ANGELA BURGER, CANADIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE/THE CANADIAN PRESS
Brianna Hennessy
“Being the flag bearer is a monumental opportunity,” Bennett said in a statement. “Being able to carry the flag and represent all the athletes is another amazing moment for me at these Paralympic Games.”
Hennessy, 39, still has one race to compete in on Sunday before taking part in the closing ceremony at the Stade de France.
“What a remarkable honor to be chosen to lead this group of our nation’s phenomenal heroes who have overcome so much adversity,” Hennessy said. “Together, we are a symbol of an incredible celebration of our abilities.”
Canada’s 126-athlete team is on track for one of its best medal hauls of recent Paralympic Games.
“Their results in Paris speak for themselves, with Nicholas adding his name to the Canadian Para-swimming history books and Brianna being a pioneer in her sport,” said Karolina Wisniewska, co-chef de mission alongside Josh Vander Vies.
Swimmer Katarina Roxon and wheelchair basketball player Patrick Anderson carried the Maple Leaf flag during the opening ceremonies.
Wheelchair racer Brent Lakatos of Dorval was Canada’s flag bearer for the closing ceremonies at the Tokyo Games three years ago. He won a gold medal in the 800 metres in Paris.