Athletes of all abilities take aim at Canada Winter Games medals

"Life-changing" is how Team Alberta skier Denyse Dawe describes her introduction to the sport of Para nordic, which includes both standing and sit-ski cross-country events and is among the 2023 Canada Winter Games events being held on Prince Edward Island. 

She was introduced to the sport just over a year ago, and says it has completely changed the way she views herself and her disability. 

"Honestly, for the longest time, my disability was something that I'd hide from people," she said.

"I have some brachydactyly, which means I'm missing a lot of my fingers and I would always put my hand in a pocket or something. And now, having an opportunity like this has allowed me to actually embrace that and see it as a strength rather than something to hide."

Dawe races in the standing 2.5-kilometre event, and is a proud member of Team Alberta both while competing and while staying at the athletes' village during the Games. 

Her experience is an example of how this event is striving to be inclusive in every aspect. 

Jesse Bachinsky of Manitoba is also taking part in Para nordic events, having picked up the sport about seven years ago. For most of that time, he's skied with his sighted guide and "best friend" Levi Nadlersmith. 

"He's played a really crucial part in my skiing and I don't think I would be doing what I'm doing without him," Bachinsky said. 

"My goal in this sport is to ski as long as I can and to be a role model for other people," he added. "Anything is possible, you just have to just try it…. Give it a shot and see where it takes you." 

Acting as a guide for a Paralympian has taken Graham Nishikawa around the world, including some trips up a medal podium. 

He was an able-bodied skier who went on to guide Canada's