UPDATE AS OF 1PM: The event has moved! It will now be held at Canada Games Plaza, with Foodie Fridays taking place from 12 there too!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – The public is invited to City Hall on Friday, August 16, for a send-off event for local athlete Joel Ewert as he departs for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
The event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Canada Games Plaza. Attendees are encouraged to wear red or Canada-themed gear.
This send off is being organized by the City of Prince George, MLA Shirley Bond and MP Todd Doherty who will be present.
Joel Ewert is a standout athlete in both wheelchair rugby and basketball, with his primary focus on wheelchair rugby. Recently selected to represent Canada in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, this marks his debut at the Games. Ewert, who was born with cerebral palsy, has shown exceptional skill and dedication throughout his sports career.
He first gained attention from rugby coaches while competing for Team BC in wheelchair basketball at the 2015 Canada Winter Games. By 2017, he was part of the national wheelchair rugby team, competing internationally. In April 2024, Ewert played a key role in Team Canada’s silver medal win at the last-chance Paralympic qualifying event, securing their spot in Paris.
Outside of sports, Ewert has completed a degree in biomedical studies at the University of Northern British Columbia and has been accepted into the University of British Columbia’s Northern Medical Program in Prince George.
A Canadian flag will be presented to Ewert at the event, and attendees will have the opportunity to sign it with well wishes for his journey to Paris.
No RSVP is required, and everyone is welcome to attend.
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will take place from August 28 to September 8, 2024. A full list of Canadian Paralympic athletes can be found here.
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Media contact
Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
City of Prince George
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca