One Alberta athlete from the Border City is set to compete in the 2019 Lima Parapan American Games. Branden Troutman, 20, is on Canada’s National Wheelchair Rugby team, heading into the games running from August 23 to September 1.
Currently ranked fifth in the world, Canada travels to Lima looking to defend its gold medal from the 2015 Parapan American Games in Toronto. Four years ago, the Canadian team memorably defeated arch-rivals the United States 57-54 in the final. In a statement, the team believes the 12 athletes selected give the best chance to succeed, with hopes of qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
The team affirms that Troutman has “incredible dedication and work ethic when it comes to the sport” and that he’s already established himself as “a key member of Team Canada.” One other athlete comes from Alberta; Zak Madell, 25, from Okotoks, is a two-time Paralympian and was a member of the team that won gold a Toronto 2015.