Paralympics to include two Nipissing Lakers
Two Nipissing Lakers have been officially named to Team Canada for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
50 athletes, including four guides, are set to represent Canada at the March 6-15 event in Italy.
That includes Madison Mullin, a visually impaired Nordic skier, who has committed to Nipissing for next season and Brooke Ailey, a fourth-year student at Nipissing and member of Lakers Nordic, who is Mullin’s guide.
The Canadian Paralympic Team will compete in each sport at the Games: Para alpine skiing (eight athletes), Para ice hockey (17), Para nordic skiing – including Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing (15), Para snowboard (5), and wheelchair curling (5).
Canada’s total delegation size will be 163 people, including athletes, coaches, support staff, and others.
“It is such an honour, not only to represent Canada but to make sure Madison is seen and supported,” says Ailey in a release from Nipissing University. “People can see this partnership and realize that sport can look different and still be powerful.”
Mullin says she was once unsure if she belonged in sport and was nervous to try something new, but is glad she did and wants to help young people achieve new skills and experiences.
Officials with Nipissing University Athletics and Nordic Skiing say they’re very proud of both Mullin and Ailey on being selected to represent Canada and can’t wait to watch them compete.
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
