Two Queen’s community members are competing in the 17th Paralympic Games, as they begin today in Paris.

Anne Fergusson (Sc’17, GDB’17), is taking part in her second Paralympics for a second time as a member of the Canadian women’s sitting volleyball team.

Fergusson competed at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games after the team won gold at the World ParaVolley final in Halifax. The team had an excellent showing in Tokyo, losing the bronze medal match to Brazil.

Also competing in women’s sitting volleyball is Certificate in Business (CIB) student Allison Lang, who is making her Paralympic debut in Paris.

Fergusson, Lang, and their teammates will look to improve on Team Canada’s silver medal performance at the 2022 World Championships. The start off on Friday, Aug. 29 against Slovenia. The gold medal final is set for Saturday, Sept. 7.

The university’s connection to the Paralympics extends beyond the games. Smith School of Business is the Official National Business Education Partner of the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and is a founding partner of Game Plan, Canada’s total athlete wellness program.

Since 2016, 124 athletes have received full tuition awards to attend professional graduate programs, and 130 athletes have received full tuition awards to complete their Certificate in Business.  

Supporters can cheer on the athletes from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8 and watch for free on CBC Gem.