Two-sport star Derek Whitson will begin his quest for a gold medal at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games this Saturday 13 March. Whitson, a five-year veteran of Canada’s national Para-Soccer team, is one of 15 players who have made Canada’s national sledge hockey team to compete in this year’s Paralympic Games.

Canada’s sledge hockey team opens the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games this Saturday 13 March in a game against Italy. The preliminary round continues with games against Sweden and Norway before entering the playoff round from 16-20 March. Canada is the reigning Paralympic champion from Torino 2006 and is again a strong favourite to win a medal.

Whitson, 20, already owns a bronze medal with Canada’s Para-Soccer team from the Parapanamerican Games Rio 2007. He has also represented Canada at two CP-ISRA World Championships, New London, CT in 2005 and Rio, Brazil in 2007. He has played both full back and goalkeeper with the national team.

"The Canadian Para-Soccer team and staff wish Derek good luck in his quest for gold at Vancouver 2010," said national Para-Soccer head coach Drew Ferguson.

Canada’s Para-Soccer team is made up of athletes who have cerebral palsy or have had a stroke or brain injury. Athletes that are interested in Canada’s Para-Soccer team should contact national coach Drew Ferguson (dferguson@soccercan.ca).