Unveiled in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network and Canada's national sport organisations, Paralympian Search is a series of one-day events offering Canadians with a disability the chance to test their abilities and discover which Paralympic sports they are best suited to.

The first Paralympian Search event is scheduled to take place on November 14 at the Canadian Sport Institute Calgary (CSIC).

It is open to people aged 14 to 35 with a physical disability or a visual impairment, who can register for free by clicking here.

"The purpose of the programme is to support the identification of Canada's next generation of Paralympic stars," said Catherine Gosselin-Després, executive director of sport at the CPC.

"In order for Canada to be a world-leading Paralympic nation, we need a targeted approach to athlete identification, to ensure the right people are in the right sports with the greatest chance for success.

"There is a sport for everyone, and we want to help people find out what it is."

Jason Poole, director of performance services at the CSIC, added: "We are proud to collaborate and host the first event of this very exciting initiative.

"The event will be a great opportunity for athletes to meet coaches, learn about different sports and know how to get involved.

"Athletes will go through basic physiological, strength and endurance testing as well as receive advice on proper hydration and nutrition."

Participants in Calgary will have the chance to meet Canada’s Matt Hallat, a three-time Paralympian in Alpine skiing.

"I'm thrilled to be involved in the launch of Paralympian Search's first event," said Hallat, who had his right leg amputated at the age of five due to bone cancer.

"I was very lucky to discover my ability and passion for Alpine skiing when I was eight-years-old and begin a journey that led me all the way to the Paralympic Games.

"I'd like to encourage Canadians to take advantage of the opportunities in this great new programme, to enjoy the benefits of sport and who knows - some may go on to win medals for Canada.

"I'm looking forward to meeting all the participants in Calgary."

Additional Paralympian Search events will be held in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver on dates yet to be confirmed.

In January of this year, the CPC and Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced a lucrative high-performance funding agreement with the Canadian Sports Institute Network (CSIN).

It was confirmed that the CPC, COC and Canadian Olympic Foundation would provide a cash injection of CAD$3million (£1.5 million/$2.3 million/€2 million) into the CSIN over the ensuing two years, with a view to improving the performance of the country's elite-level athletes and disabled athletes.



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