Colette Bourgonje is a trailblazer of parasport.

She has innovated new adaptive sport equipment and training methodologies, not only for her own use, but to enable greater participation and ensure everyone can find a place in sport.

“After being an athlete for many years, [being inducted into the Canada Gams Hall of Honour] recognizes my transition to being a builder and contributing to another level of sport. A favourite memory from the Games is being in Prince George with a full Para team, and having success with the athlete who I found in Canadian Tire, named Brittany Hudak.”

Colette Bourgonje innovated new adaptive sport equipment and training methodologies at a time when knowledgeable coaching and public awareness of parasport was not well established in Canada. After a career as a 10x Paralympian (seven in para nordic skiing and three in wheelchair racing), she joined Team Saskatchewan at the 2015, 2017, and 2019 Canada Games as a coach and manager.

From 10 Paralympic appearances and earning ten Paralympic medals along the way, to coaching the next generation at three Canada Games – we’re thrilled to welcome Colette Bourgonje into the Canada Games Hall of Honour in the Builder Category.