‘It was time’: Canada set for long-awaited women’s Para hockey world championships

2022 Paralympics marked a bittersweet moment for Christina Picton, a veteran of the Canadian women’s Para hockey team. While she had always dreamed of competing at the Winter Games with her hockey teammates, she found herself in Beijing as a nordic skier due to the absence of women’s Para hockey from the Paralympic program.

However, this week brings a significant step towards realizing that dream. Picton and her Canadian teammates are gearing up to compete in the first-ever Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Championships in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia. This tournament, featuring six teams, including Canada, the United States, and Britain, marks a landmark moment on the journey to making women’s Para hockey a Paralympic sport by 2030.

For Tara Chisholm, Canada’s head coach, this event holds immense significance in building the history of the women’s game. The push for women’s Para hockey to be included in the Paralympics by 2030 involves organizing at least two women’s world championships before submitting a proposal to the International Paralympic Committee.

The current gender gap in Para hockey at the Paralympics highlights the importance of expanding opportunities for women in the sport. Players like Raphaelle Tousignant have long awaited the chance to compete on the big stage alongside their male counterparts. With the upcoming world championships and the potential for women’s Para hockey to be included in future Paralympic Games, the dream is becoming a reality for many athletes.

Despite the challenges faced by the women’s Para hockey program, including lack of funding and resources, the dedication and passion of the players and volunteers have elevated the program to a world-class level. With corporate sponsors and supporters stepping in to cover costs for the world championships, there is growing momentum and support for women’s Para hockey to thrive.

As the Canadian team prepares to make history at the Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Championships, the journey towards gender equality and inclusivity in Para sports continues. The efforts and achievements of athletes like Christina Picton and Raphaelle Tousignant pave the way for a future where women’s Para hockey has a permanent place on the global stage. the perspective of a travel writer visiting a popular tourist destination:

As I stepped off the plane and into the warm, tropical air of Bali, I immediately felt a sense of excitement and wonder. This Indonesian island has long been known as a paradise for travelers seeking sun, sand, and spiritual rejuvenation, and I was eager to experience it for myself.

My first stop was the town of Ubud, a hub of art and culture nestled in the lush jungles of central Bali. As I wandered through the bustling markets and narrow streets lined with colorful shops and cafes, I was struck by the vibrant energy of the place. Everywhere I looked, there were intricate wood carvings, handmade textiles, and traditional Balinese masks on display, a testament to the island’s rich artistic heritage.

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terraces, a series of cascading rice paddies that have been meticulously cultivated for centuries. As I hiked through the verdant fields, I marveled at the sheer beauty of the landscape and the ingenuity of the farmers who have created such a breathtakingly intricate system of irrigation.

Of course, no visit to Bali would be complete without a trip to one of its many stunning beaches. I spent several days lounging on the golden sands of Kuta Beach, watching the surfers ride the waves and soaking up the sun. The water was warm and crystal clear, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and I found myself completely enchanted by the natural beauty of the coastline.

But perhaps the most memorable part of my journey was the opportunity to immerse myself in Bali’s spiritual traditions. I visited several temples, including the majestic Uluwatu Temple perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and participated in a traditional Balinese purification ceremony at a local water temple. The experience was deeply moving and transformative, and I felt a profound sense of peace and connection to the island’s ancient spiritual heritage.

As I reluctantly boarded my flight back home, I knew that Bali had left an indelible mark on my heart. Its beauty, culture, and spirituality had touched me in ways I never could have imagined, and I knew that I would carry the memories of this magical island with me for the rest of my days. Bali truly is a place like no other, a destination that captures the imagination and the soul, and I can’t wait to return again someday.