Cortina, Italy, March 14, 2026 – Para nordic skier Natalie Wilkie (Salmon Arm, BC) and wheelchair curler Mark Ideson (London, ON) have been named Canada’s Closing Ceremony flag bearers for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the Canadian Paralympic Committee announced Saturday. She is the first Canadian athlete to be selected to be both Opening and Closing Ceremony flag bearer at the same Paralympic Games. “The biggest honour I could ever imagine.”“It’s really hard to sum up this whole week,” said Ideson on winning gold and now being named flag bearer. I am incredibly proud and honoured to have been part of this whole journey.”“I am so excited for both Natalie and Mark to receive this honour,” said Mac Marcoux, honorary captain, Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. They are also such great leaders in their sports and for Paralympic sport in Canada, and I can’t wait to watch them carry the flag.”“Congratulations to Natalie and Mark on being named Closing Ceremony flag bearers,” said Catherine Gosselin-Despres, Chief Sport Officer, Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Source: CBC News March 14, 2026 18:08 UTC