The flag bearer’s inspirational words.

 Para judo star Priscilla Gagné has been selected to represent Canada as flag bearer at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony on August 24.

Currently ranked No. 2 in the world in the 52kg category, Gagné is set to compete in her second Paralympic Games after finishing fifth in her debut at Rio 2016. In 2018, she became the first Canadian woman to podium at the Para judo world championships, winning a bronze medal. She is also a two-time Parapan Am Games silver medallist (2015 and 2019).

“It’s been my dream to compete in the Paralympics ever since I was a 10-year-old child and to be given the honour of flag bearer is beyond anything I could have imagined,” said Gagné, now 35. “For me it represents unity within diversity, it represents strength and resilience, and it represents a hope for something greater than what we have. I really hope that for kids living with disabilities, this inspires them to never stop dreaming, to never listen to somebody who tells them no, and to stand together with people who believe in them.”

Priscilla Gagné

Unity within diversity, hope for something greater than what we have. These words from Priscilla are truly inspirational. And I believe that she never listened to anyone who told her no!

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games takes place August 24 to September 5, 2021. Canada will be represented by 128 athletes, including guides, competing in 18 sports.