David Eng is Canada’s flag bearer for the Rio Paralympics Opening Ceremony
Wheelchair basketball player David Eng will be carrying the Canadian flag during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Paralympic Games on Wednesday.
Eng lead the men’s wheelchair basketball team to a gold medal in 2004 and 2012 and silver in 2008. The 2016 edition of the Paralympic Summer Games will be his fourth time competing.
“I am really grateful for this amazing opportunity to carry the Canadian flag for my country at the Opening Ceremony in Rio,” said Eng in a press release.
“Being selected as the flag bearer at my fourth Paralympics is the highest honour I could receive for dedicating my life and heart to the Paralympic movement. This means so much to me because I truly believe Canada to be a world leader in celebrating diversity and inclusion, and in supporting athletes with a disability in high-performance sport. Go Canada go!”
The 39-year-old Montrealer, who is also co-captain of the team in Rio, has been playing basketball for 27 years. His contributions to the sport and the national team were many of the reasons why Eng was chosen to carry the flag, according to Team Canada Chef de Mission Chantal Petitclerc.
“David is an impact player on the court and is known for his aggressive and vocal style of play and his ability to make the players around him better,” said Petitclerc in a press release.
“He is widely respected by both teammates and opponents and always maintains a positive attitude and passion for his sport. David is a true role model for all Canadians.”
The men’s wheelchair basketball team will start their defense of their 2012 gold medal against Spain on Thursday.
All Rio Paralympics action can be seen on CBC starting Wednesday’s Opening Ceremony.
