The Rising Star Grant was听established听to provide financial support to听emerging听high-performance athletes across British Columbia as they pursue excellence in sport. Funded through an endowment from the Vancouver Foundation, the grant helps offset the daily training and competition costs that often听accompany听high-level athletic development.听

The Rising Star Grant typically distributes approximately $4,000 annually in awards of $1,000 and $500, supporting athletes across Provincial Development, Canadian Development, and Elite levels. Available to athletes training in CSI Pacific regions including Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler, the grant reflects CSI Pacific鈥檚 ongoing commitment to reducing barriers and strengthening the pathway for high-performance athletes in British Columbia.听

This year鈥檚 recipients were selected from an exceptionally competitive applicant pool, with听194 applications received听–听a significant increase from previous years and a clear reflection of the growing demand for athlete support across the province. Athletes were evaluated based on their commitment to training and competition,听demonstrated听performance level, financial need, clear performance goals, and meaningful contributions to their communities.听

鈥淚 am excited and honoured to be chosen as a recipient of the CSI Pacific Rising Star Grant,鈥� said听Mel Pemble, Paralympic cyclist. 鈥淐SI Pacific has been part of my journey since I was 15, supporting me through two sports and every step of my athletic career over the past 11 years. This grant will help fund a new racing helmet as I prepare for upcoming para听cycling World Cups.鈥�听

鈥淚鈥檓 honored to receive the CSI Pacific Rising Star Grant,鈥� said听Evan Bichon, Olympic snowboarder. 鈥淐SI Pacific has played a key role in my journey to Milano Cortina;听from attending the Canadian Sport School in Prince George to training in Vancouver,听they鈥檝e听supported me every step of the way. This听grant听helps offset the costs of training and competing this season and will be used to replace essential protective equipment.鈥�听

This year鈥檚 recipients听represent听a wide range of sports throughout听Olympic and Paralympic pathways, reflecting the depth of talent within the CSI Pacific system.听

鈥淭his year鈥檚 recipients represent the depth of talent and dedication within our high-performance system,鈥� said听Anna听Kozniuk, Manager of Performance Programs at CSI Pacific.听鈥淲e continue to see听growing demand for athlete support, and through the Rising Star Grant, we鈥檙e proud to help reduce financial barriers so athletes can focus on their performance, development, and long-term goals.鈥�听

CSI Pacific thanks the Vancouver Foundation for their continued support in making this grant possible and听remains听committed to investing in the future of sport in Canada. For more information about CSI Pacific athlete support programs, visit听.听

鈥� 30 鈥�听

We applaud the Government of Canada for recognizing the gaps and areas for improvement in our current system, and for pushing forward next steps to improve sport in Canada as a whole. We are in firm agreement with Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden when he says these improvements must be 鈥済rounded in stronger coordination, transparency, and accountability across the sport system.”

Across the COPSIN, we are committed to working in partnership with governments, national and provincial sport organizations, and system leaders to ensure the Commission鈥檚 recommendations translate into real, measurable improvements for athletes. Collaboration across the network will be essential to turning insight into action. As a network that works daily with athletes, coaches, and sport scientists across the country, COPSIN plays a unique role in translating policy into athlete鈥慶entred services.

听

We also recognize recent comments from Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding a forthcoming review of athlete funding and support. This signals an important opportunity to align efforts and ensure that athlete perspectives remain central in shaping future decisions. Continued engagement with athletes and those who support them daily will be key to getting this right. An athlete-centred approach is critical to long-term success for Canadian sport. Funding reviews are also essential in ensuring Canada maintains our place at the forefront of sport, globally. This is why we were encouraged to see that one of the immediate recommendations in the report is to increase sport funding within the next 12 months, and we look forward to that implementation by the federal government.

Given the depth of the Commission鈥檚 work, the COPSIN will take the necessary time to review the report and all 98 calls to action in detail. In the weeks ahead, we look forward to engaging with partners across the system to move beyond recommendations and toward coordinated, action-oriented implementation.

We remain committed to working together to strengthen the system that supports Canadian athletes both now and into the future, and to ensuring this moment leads to meaningful, lasting progress.

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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games

At the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics, Team Canada was represented by 50 Paralympians. Of those:

• 16 members (32%) of Team Canada had a connection to B.C. – these are athletes who either train in B.C. or list a B.C. community as their hometown
• B.C.-connected athletes won 80% of Team Canada鈥檚 medals
• 14 athletes (28%) were affiliated with CSI Pacific, receiving support through CSI Pacific and/or the PacificSport network
• CSI Pacific affiliated athletes won 73% of Team Canada鈥檚 medals
• 49 athletes (98%) were affiliated with the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN), of which CSI Pacific is a member
• COPSIN affiliated athletes won 100% of Team Canada鈥檚 medals
• 8 of 16 B.C.-connected athletes (50%) won medals
• 7 of 14 CSI Pacific affiliated athletes (50%) won medals
• In addition to the medals, CSI Pacific affiliated athletes recorded another five Top-5 performances

Note: See below for all CSI Pacific and B.C.-connected medallists at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.

These results reflect the continued strong performance of athletes connected to British Columbia and the CSI Pacific network, both at the Winter and Summer Paralympic Games.

CSI Pacific Impact at Recent Paralympic Games

Over the past several Paralympic Games, athletes associated with CSI Pacific have consistently contributed to Canada鈥檚 success on the international stage:

• Beijing 2022 Paralympics: Made up 42% of Team Canada and won 60% of the medals
• Paris 2024 Paralympics: Made up 26% of Team Canada and won 41% of the medals

鈥淐ongratulations to all the athletes for an incredible and inspirational Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games,鈥� said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, 鈥淔or all of us at home, it has been so inspiring to watch you follow your dreams and showcase your athleticism, skill and endurance. You have made British Columbia, and Canada, so proud.鈥�

鈥淲hat these athletes have accomplished throughout this Paralympic cycle and here in Milano Cortina is truly inspiring,鈥� said Wendy Pattenden, CEO of CSI Pacific. 鈥淏C鈥檚 athletes continue to be a prominent force in Paralympic sport, and we are privileged to work alongside these incredible athletes and their national sport organizations as they shine on the world鈥檚 biggest stage.鈥�

鈥淭he dedication and support from National and Provincial Sport Organizations (NSOs and PSOs) across British Columbia, alongside investments from all levels of government and the leadership of viaSport, have played an essential role in helping B.C.-connected athletes reach the Paralympic podium.鈥�

Many of these athletes are affiliated with 糖心原创 Pacific (CSI Pacific) or the Regional Sport Alliance, underscoring the vital role these organizations play in supporting daily training environments and preparing athletes to perform on the world鈥檚 biggest stage. Quick Facts: Milano Cortina 2026 Team Canada Paralympic Winter Games

• Total Team Canada athletes: 50
• Athletes with a B.C. connection: 16 (32%)
• Athletes supported by CSI Pacific or PacificSport centres: 14 (28%)
• View the full list of B.C.-connected para athletes [PDF]

鈥淐ongratulations to the outstanding B.C. athletes gearing up to represent our province and country at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games,鈥� said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. 鈥淵our hard work and incredible achievements have already inspired people across British Columbia and Canada and we are so proud. As you head onto the world stage, excitement is building to watch you showcase your power, passion, and determination, and to see the strength of Canadian sport and the spirit of British Columbia shine through every performance.鈥� 鈥淐SI Pacific is incredibly proud of the athletes who have trained, prepared, and are now ready to compete on the world stage,鈥� said Wendy Pattenden, CEO of 糖心原创 Pacific. 鈥淭he strong presence of B.C.-connected athletes at the Paralympics reflects not only their commitment and perseverance, but also the collaborative support of national and provincial sport partners working together to power performance.鈥� “The Paralympic Games champions the cause of inclusivity on and off the field of play and encourages increased participation, enhanced fairness, and promotes innovation and teamwork to make sport better for everyone,” said Andrew Price, CEO, viaSport BC. “The Games are an opportunity to witness the remarkable achievements of BC鈥檚 high-performance athletes with disabilities.” The success of these athletes is supported by a strong network of partners, including Sport Canada and Own the Podium, National Sport Organizations, Provincial Sport Organizations, the Province of British Columbia, viaSport, and Regional Sport Alliance partners. Together, these organizations create an environment where athletes can thrive and pursue Paralympic success.

When excluding the NHL players at the Games, the percentage of Team Canada athletes supported by COPSIN goes up to 94%.

COPSIN鈥檚 contribution in supporting Team Canada athletes for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games reflects its ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence. By providing world-class performance services and conducting applied sport science research projects, COPSIN makes a significant contribution to Canada鈥檚 performance goals on the international sport stage.

Some of the standout moments from BC-connected athletes at Milano Cortina 2026 include:

• Two CSI Pacific-affiliated athletes 鈥� Marielle Thompson (Ski Cross) and Mika毛l Kingsbury (Freestyle Skiing Moguls) – were the opening ceremonies flagbearers
• Kingsbury was also a double medallist, with a Silver in Moguls and a Gold in Dual Moguls, making him the most decorated Men鈥檚 Freestyle Skier in Olympic history, with five total medals
• CSI Pacific-affiliated athlete Megan Oldham also won two medals, when she brought home a Bronze in Freestyle Skiing Slopestyle before topping that with a Gold in Big Air
• BC-born medallists in Men鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Curling and Men鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Ice Hockey

These achievements highlight the preparation, resilience, and competitive excellence of BC athletes performing on the world鈥檚 biggest stage. With the eyes of the world watching, they delivered performances that inspired communities across the province and country.

鈥淲e are immensely proud to have witnessed the incredible achievements of Team Canada and our BC athletes at Milano Cortina 2026,鈥� said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. 鈥淭heir hard work, determination and excellence truly embody the sprit of sport – proud, resilient and deeply committed to community. Their performances have inspired people throughout the country and remind us of the strength and spirit that defines being British Columbian.鈥�

鈥淔rom opening day to the final events, these Games have delivered unforgettable moments,鈥� said Wendy Pattenden, CEO, CSI Pacific. 鈥淏C-connected athletes continue to demonstrate what鈥檚 possible through dedication, preparation, and world-class support systems. Their performances, and those of our National Sport Organization partners, inspire our communities and showcase the strength of Canada鈥檚 high-performance sport system.鈥�