Statement by Minister Duncan on Canada's First Gold Medal at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, congratulates Canada's first gold medal winners at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea, March 10, 2018 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mac Marcoux and his guide Jack Leitch on winning Canada's first gold medal at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. I would also like to recognize their family and friends and their entire communities who have supported them on this unforgettable Paralympic journey.

Marcoux, from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Leitch, from Calgary, Alberta, earned their gold medal in the para alpine men's downhill – visually impaired event on just the first day of competition. This is the first gold medal for Team Canada and its third overall Paralympic medal.

Mac and Jack finished the race in a remarkable time of 1:23.93 on a sunny day in PyeongChang to stand highest on the podium. At just 20 years old, Mac is already an international favourite having won a gold and two bronze medals in Sochi. Jack joined Mac in the 2016-17 season and the duo enjoyed immediate success that culminated the season with four gold medals and a silver at the 2017 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships in Italy.

This first gold medal is sure to provide motivation for other Team Canada athletes at the Games. Above all, it is a true source of inspiration for all Canadians, especially our youth. For that, I personally thank athletes like Mac and Jack who demonstrate that high-performance sport is accessible to all.

Today, as we all celebrate a memorable moment for the duo, we are also celebrating the success of an entire country that is once again shining on the international stage with determination, sportsmanship and talent. The pride of seeing Mac Marcoux and Jack Leitch on the podium reinforces the importance and value of our support for and investment in our athletes.

I wish our Canadian Paralympic Team much more success as competition continues in PyeongChang.

Associated Links

#WinningFace Movement 

Canadian Paralympic Committee – Team Canada athletes

Sport Canada

Alpine Canada

SOURCE Canadian Heritage