February 12, 2014 Canada will send a high-powered group of cross-country skiers and biathletes to the Sochi start line with a focus on contributing to the nation’s medal count at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games, Cross Country Canada and the Canadian Paralympic Committee announced on Tuesday.

A total of 14 of the nation’s best para-Nordic skiers and biathletes, eight men and six women, will don the maple leaf race suit next month in Sochi. The 11 athletes and three guides include a group of Paralympic, World Championship and World Cup medal winners led by 10-time Paralympic medallist Brian McKeever (Canmore, Alta.) along with his guides Erik Carleton (Canmore, Alta.) and Graham Nishikawa (Whitehorse, YK), and eight-time Paralympic medallist Colette Bourgonje, (Saskatoon, Sask.).

They will be joined by fellow Paralympians who are World Cup and World Championship medallists, Mark Arendz (Hartsville, PEI); Chris Klebl (Canmore, Alta.); along with Brittany Hudak (Prince Albert, Sask.); Caroline Bisson (Ottawa, Ont.); Yves Bourque (Bécancour, Que.); Sébastien Fortier (Quebec City, Que.); Louis Fortin (Shippagan, N.B.); Margarita Gorbounova (Ottawa, Ont.); Robbi Weldon (Thunder Bay, Ont.); and guide Andrea Bundon (Regina, Sask.).

“These athletes represent one of the most talented groups of para-Nordic athletes that we have ever sent to a Games,” said Mike Edwards, team leader and assistant high-performance director, Cross Country Canada. “This team has achieved great success in the competitive culture of excellence we have created at Cross Country Canada, having won medals at national championships, World Cups, World Championships and the Paralympics. Depth is key to any podium attack and Canada is well positioned to continue this success well into the future.”

The athletes are coached by Robin McKeever (Canmore, Alta.) and Saskatoon’s Kaspar Wirz.

For complete athlete and coach biographies, click HERE: http://tinyurl.com/kzey2z3

“As we close in on Sochi’s Paralympic Games, it is exciting see the announcement of a para-Nordic team comprised of new talent and veteran performers,” said Team Canada’s Chef de Mission, Ozzie Sawicki. “Our para-Nordic athletes will be up for the challenge as they compete against a strong field of nations in Sochi and I have extreme confidence in their ability to bring home podium results in support of Canada’s goal to be a top three gold medal nation at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.”

“As Minister of State (Sport), I wish all the best to our Canadian Paralympic Team athletes as they prepare for the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi,” said the Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). “I would also like to thank the coaches, family and officials who support and encourage these athletes who will proudly represent our country.”

NOMINATED PARA-NORDIC SKIERS AND BIATHLETES (CC=cross country; BT=biathlon):

			Events qualified to compete
Athletes	Sport Class	Hometown	CC -Sprint	CC – Mid	CC Long	BT – Short	BT -Mid	BT – Long
Mark Arendz	LW 6	Hartsville, PEI	X	X	X	X	X	X
Caroline Bisson	LW6	Ottawa, QC	X	X	X	X	X	X
Colette Bourgonje	LW10	Saskatoon, SK	X	X	X
Yves Bourque	LW12	Becancour, QC	X	X	X
Andrea Bundon	Guide Gorbounova	Regina, SK
Erik Carleton	Guide McKeever	Canmore, AB
Louis Fortin	LW6	Shippagan, NB	X	X
Sebastien Fortier	LW11.5	Quebec City, QC	X	X	X
Margarita Gorbounova	B3	Ottawa, ON	X	X	X	X	X	X
Brittany Hudak	LW8	Prince Albert, SK	X	X	X
Chris Klebl	LW11	Canmore, AB	X	X	X
Brian McKeever	B3	Canmore, AB	X	X	X	X	X	X
Graham Nishikawa	Guide Weldon	Whitehorse, YT
Robbi Weldon	B2	Thunder Bay, ON	X	X	X

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will take place from March 7 to 16. With a goal of placing in the top three nations in the gold medal count, Canada will send approximately 50 athletes to compete in sledge hockey, wheelchair curling, para-Nordic skiing, biathlon, para-alpine skiing and para-snowboard.

Nomination to the Canadian Paralympic Team is ongoing. The full team will be officially unveiled in late February.