Newfoundland and Labrador Wheelchair Racer Gavin Baggs Wins Gold, Hopes for Increased Visibility for Parasport
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – gavin Baggs of Newfoundland and Labrador has secured a gold medal in wheelchair racing at the Canada Games, adding to a growing medal count for the province’s parasport and Special Olympics athletes. Baggs spoke to CBC News promptly following the race, describing the win as ”a great experience for me, and I no it means a lot.”
The victory contributes to a notable trend at these Games: all of Newfoundland and Labrador’s medals to date have been earned by athletes competing in parasport or Special Olympics disciplines. This success underscores the strength of adaptive sports within the province,a fact Baggs hopes will translate into greater recognition.
“We definately don’t get a lot of the attention, a lot of that goes to the able-bodied athletes. But, you know, we’re used to that, honestly. But hopefully [with] our medals here, we will get a bit more attention, get some more respect,” Baggs stated. He expressed a desire for increased public engagement with parasport, hoping the recent achievements will “get people to come out and watch parasport or Special Olympics sports, get people to come out and try parasport and stuff.So hopefully it’s positive things in the future for parasport.”
The Canada Games are scheduled to conclude on Sunday. Traditionally, the honor of carrying Newfoundland and Labrador’s flag during the closing ceremonies is bestowed upon the games’ top-performing athlete.Baggs acknowledged that being selected as flag bearer would be “a tremendous honour.”
This year’s Canada Games represent a significant possibility to showcase the dedication and skill of parasport athletes like Baggs. While specific details regarding the number of athletes participating in parasport at the Games weren’t immediately available, the province’s complete medal success in these disciplines highlights their prominence. The Games, a national multi-sport event for young athletes, are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter formats.Newfoundland and Labrador last hosted the Summer Games in 1977.
The growing success of parasport in Newfoundland and Labrador reflects a broader national movement towards inclusivity and accessibility in athletics. The province’s athletes are demonstrating a high level of competition, challenging perceptions and inspiring future generations of athletes with disabilities.
(Julia Israel/CBC) – Caption for image accompanying the article: Baggs says he hopes the success of para-athletes and Special Olympics athletes can showcase the strength of para sport in newfoundland and Labrador.
