Six B.C. athletes join Team Canada at the 2025 Youth Parapan American Games in Chile, aiming for glory in swimming, basketball, and goalball.
B.C. Stars Join Canada’s Rising Para-Athletes in Chile
The energy is electric in Santiago, Chile, as six talented young athletes from British Columbia step onto the international stage for the 2025 Youth Parapan American Games. From October 31 to November 9, these rising stars will compete alongside 38 young Canadians, representing their country with pride and passion.
Meet the B.C. Athletes Making Waves
Leading the charge in para swimming is 18-year-old Brea Duncan from Armstrong. After a standout performance at the Canada Summer Games in St. John’s — where she claimed two provincial bronze medals — Duncan is ready to dive into five high-stakes events in Chile.
She’s not alone in the pool. Victoria’s Roy Pan and Chilliwack’s Lucas VanHerk will also test their skills against some of the best young swimmers across the Americas. Each lap they swim brings them one step closer to realizing their Paralympic dreams.
Carrying the Flag with Pride
When the opening ceremony kicks off, all eyes will be on Victoria’s Elise Froese, one of Canada’s flag bearers. Competing in women’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball, Froese has already made waves internationally.
In 2023, she made her national debut at the U25 Women’s World Championships, and this year, she helped Team Canada secure bronze at the Americas Cup in Bogota. Currently balancing her athletic career with her studies at the University of Arizona, Froese shared her excitement:
“It’s such an honour to carry Canada’s flag,” she said. “Representing wheelchair basketball on this stage means everything to me.”
Also representing B.C. on the basketball court are Kamloops’ Cameron Gelowitz and Vancouver’s Jeffer Ward, both eager to leave their mark on the tournament.
Canada’s Biggest Team Yet
This year marks a milestone for Team Canada — the largest Youth Parapan Am contingent ever, featuring 38 athletes from nine provinces. Ontario leads with 14 participants, followed by Alberta (7) and British Columbia (6).
For many, this is their first taste of international competition, and with over 1,500 athletes from 30+ countries, it’s an experience that promises to inspire.
A Launchpad to the Future
The Youth Parapan American Games aren’t just about medals — they’re about building the future of Para sport. As Catherine Gosselin-Després, Chief Sport Officer for the Canadian Paralympic Committee, put it:
“These Games give young athletes invaluable experience against world-class competition. It’s the perfect stepping stone toward the Parapan Am or Paralympic Games.”
With the support of 29 dedicated coaches and staff, Canada’s young athletes are ready to showcase their strength, skill, and spirit on the world stage.
From B.C. to the World
For these six B.C. athletes, Chile isn’t just another stop on the sporting calendar — it’s a chance to represent their home, their province, and their dreams. And as they push forward with determination and heart, one thing is clear: Team Canada’s future looks brighter than ever.
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