140 athletes set to represent Canada at Parapan Am Games in Chile

In the wake of strong performances by Canadian athletes at the Pan Am Games in Santiago, it's time for the country's top Para athletes to compete, with the seventh Parapan Am Games opening Friday in the Chilean capital.

A team of 140 athletes will represent Canada, aiming to add to the 164 medals — including 46 gold — their compatriots won.

Nearly 2,000 athletes from 30 other nations will be battling for medals across 17 sport disciplines in Chile, the first time a South American country has hosted the event. There has been consistent growth over the previous six iterations, with some 1,000 Para athletes from 18 countries at the first Games in Mexico City.

Competition runs Nov. 17-26 and will be streamed live on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app and CBC Gem. Friday's opening ceremony is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.

Canada's team is a blend of experience and youth.

The team includes 64 Paralympians, 18 of whom have won medals at past Games. And while there will undoubtedly be a veteran presence, there are sure to be first-time nerves as well.

Sixty-six athletes are making their Parapan Am Games debut, with 55 appearing in a multi-sport Games for the first time. 

Santiago, here we come! ✈️ <a href="https://twitter.com/AirCanada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AirCanada</a> <a href="https://t.co/q2wo3IBCG4">pic.twitter.com/q2wo3IBCG4</a>

Para table tennis player Stephanie Chan is the oldest member of the team at 66 years old while Para swimmer Fernando Lu is the youngest, having turned 16 in July. 

There is representation from across Canada, with athletes from 10 provinces. Ontario has the most attending at 54, followed by Quebec (28), British Columbia (24), Alberta (16), Saskatchewan (5), New Brunswick (5), Newfoundland & Labrador