Photo Courtesy of Canadian Paralympic Committee
Recent News
Stilwell, one of the world's most decorated Paralympic athletes and the first Canadian Paralympian to win gold in two different sports, announced her retirement Wednesday night after a stellar athletic career, winning seven Paralympic medals, including six golds, and numerous world championship titles.
Bio
At the age of 17 Michelle was rendered quadriplegic after falling from a friends back while piggyback riding. Prior to her injury Michelle was involved in many sports. She excelled at track, basketball and ringette. Her injury has not put a stop to her enjoyment of these sports, just a few alterations.
Twitter Feed
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Thanks for the heads up Shayan. The account is not me and has been reported. It’s not my birthday but I will take t… https://t.co/NwgpG3IWhx -
Super night hosting @gvsportsawards with @dccalder —celebrating sport excellence at Government House in #victoriabc… https://t.co/1gmrRtHFuE
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RT @CDNParalympics: Being recognized as a Paralympic medallist outside of the field of play is quite a unique feeling. @Stilwell4BC sh… https://t.co/LLHRw5FpEr
Paralympic Sport
The idea of practicing sports in a wheelchair first occurred in England during the Second World War as a means of contributing to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of the many people wounded during the war.
The Paralympics were launched in 1948 when Sir Ludwig Guttman organized the International Wheelchair Games to coincide with the Olympic Games taking place in London. The name derives from the Greek "para" ("beside" or "alongside") and thus refers to a competition held in parallel with the Olympic Games. There is no relation with paralysis or paraplegia intended, however, the word Paralympic was originally a portmanteau combining 'paraplegic' and 'Olympic'.