The programme offers grants to athletes bidding to represent Canada at future Olympic and Paralympic Games but are not yet eligible for Government funding.

The 15-year-old swimmer Bennett won three gold and one silver medal in Lima and set a Canadian record as he claimed the men's S14 200 metres individual medley title in 2min 15.66sec.

Para-badminton star Olivia Meier, 20, won mixed doubles gold in Lima alongside Pascal Lapointe.

She also won a silver medal in the women's singles as the sport made its Parapan American Games debut.

Para-badminton will also make its debut on the Paralympic Games programme in Tokyo next year.

Also enlisted on the programme are Para-nordic skiiers Kyle Barber and Lyne Marie-Bilodeau and Para-snowboarders Sarah Anne Cormier and Matt Hamilton.

Wheelchair basketball player Collin Lalonde, Danik Allard from boccia and Para-swimmer Nikita Ens join Para-alpine skiier Tess Beasant and Para-triathlete Taylor Leanne in receiving grants.

The final two stars to benefit are Para-canoeist Andrew Nelson and Para-athletics star Nandini Sharma.

Through the FACE programme, athletes and coaches each receive CAD$5,000 (£3,070/$3,750/€3,400) to be used for training, equipment, coach education and competition travel expenses.

More than 3,000 Canadian athletes and coaches have been supported through the project since its inception in 1988.

As well as the 13 Para athletes, 42 aspiring Olympians will also receive grants.