Stephanie Dixon named Canada’s Assistant Chef De Mission

"The Toronto 2015 Parapan Am Games are close to my heart, as I am from that area myself. I cannot wait to see Canada's top athletes face off against some of the best in the world on home soil."

The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) has announced that seven-time Paralympic champion swimmer Stephanie Dixon has been named Team Canada’s Assistant Chef de Mission for the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games.

A three-time Paralympian, Dixon competed at the Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, winning a total of seven gold, 10 silver and two bronze medals and still holds the world record for the women’s 100m backstroke S9.

At the 2007 Parapan American Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, she won six gold and one silver medal.

"I could not be more excited and honoured to be named Assistant Chef de Mission for the 2015 Parapan American Games," said Dixon.

"The Toronto 2015 Parapan Am Games are close to my heart, as I am from that area myself. I cannot wait to see Canada's top athletes face off against some of the best in the world on home soil.

“I know what an important competition these Games are for athletes to build momentum in pursuit of success on the international stage and I'm excited to assist Chef de Mission Elisabeth Walker-Young in mentoring and supporting our Canadian athletes."

Dixon has an extensive background with the Paralympic Movement in Canada, representing them as an athlete for almost 15 years before her current role promoting para-sport across the country.

She was part of the CPC’s broadcast team at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Russia, and also a TV host of the 2013 IPC Swimming World Championships in Montreal, Canada.

"I have an incredible passion for the Paralympic Movement as it has largely shaped the person who I have become and I have witnessed it change the lives of others," said Dixon.

"The awareness of the Paralympics has grown considerably across the world and I know that here in Canada, we are in the midst of big, ground breaking changes in the way that Canadians perceive the nature of sport, the limitations of what is possible and what it truly means to be a champion.

The Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games take place between 7-15 August and will feature 1,608 athletes from 28 countries competing in 15 sports.

For more information, visit the TORONTO 2015 Parapan American Games website.