Former Para alpine skier Mac Marcoux has been appointed as the honorary captain of Canada’s Paralympic team for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Games, as announced by the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) on Wednesday. The leadership team also includes five athletes who will serve as co-captains during the event.
The co-captains, including wheelchair curler Ina Forrest, hockey player Tyler McGregor, nordic skier Brittany Hudak, snowboarder Tyler Turner, and alpine skier Alexis Guimond, have been selected to be the “leaders and public faces” of the Canadian Paralympic Team. This initiative is part of a new approach by the CPC to highlight the essential role of the athletes in leading their team at the Games.
The 28-year-old Marcoux, a six-time Paralympic medallist from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, who retired in February 2024, has been recognized for his leadership and experience in Para sport. He will work alongside the co-captains to promote team unity and share the stories of Canada’s Paralympians with audiences.
Expressing his excitement, Marcoux stated, “Competing alongside my teammates was a highlight of my career, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the team and sharing their stories with a wider audience across the country.” The five co-captains collectively hold 13 Paralympic medals.
In preparation for her fifth Paralympics, 63-year-old Forrest, a decorated curler from Spallumcheenhas, B.C., highlighted the unity and camaraderie among winter sports athletes in Team Canada. McGregor, a three-time Paralympic medallist from Forest, Ontario, emphasized the values of excellence, resilience, and unity that the Canadian Paralympic Team represents.
Guimond, from Gatineau, Quebec, a two-time Paralympic bronze medallist, is gearing up for his third Games, while 32-year-old Hudak, a Para nordic athlete from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, expressed her pride in being named a co-captain and emphasized the importance of teamwork and support among teammates.
Turner, a history-making Para snowboarder from Campbell River, B.C., reflected on his responsibility as a co-captain to represent the team and Para sport with pride. The Milan-Cortina Paralympics, scheduled from March 6-15, will feature athletes competing in various disciplines including alpine skiing, hockey, snowboarding, wheelchair curling, and nordic skiing.
The official announcement of the athletes representing Canada at the Games will be made between November and February leading up to the event.