Wheelchair basketball player Kady Dandeneau named Canadian flag-bearer for Commonwealth Games

Wheelchair basketball player Kady Dandeneau and lawn bowler Ryan Bester will lead Canada’s delegation at the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland on Thursday.

Dandeneau, a two-time Paralympian who won Commonwealth Games 3x3 gold in 2022, will carry the Canadian flag, while Bester, one of the most decorated bowlers in Canadian history, will carry the baton into the iconic Hydro arena.

Coverage begins on Thursday, starting with the pre-ceremony show at 2:30 p.m. ET, hosted by CBC Sports’ Andi Petrillo and Paralympic cycling medallist Nathan Clement. CBC Gem, CBCSports.ca and CBC will then have live coverage of the opening ceremony at 3 p.m. ET.

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Commonwealth Sport Canada invited each participating national sport organization to nominate candidates. The nominees were evaluated based on their athletic achievement and degree of participation, leadership qualities, and community service and contributions to sport, the announcement said.

The process sought athletes who embody the values of the Commonwealth Sport movement —  humanity, equality and destiny — while serving as exceptional ambassadors. 

"Kady and Ryan were selected not only because of their outstanding athletic achievements, but because of the leadership, character and service they have demonstrated throughout their careers," said Erica Wiebe, Team Canada's chef de mission for the Commonwealth Games. 

"Kady has become a powerful advocate for inclusive sport and an inspiring leader within the Para sport community, while Ryan has represented Canada with distinction and humility for more than two decades on the international