By: Vanessa Marciano
In preparation of the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games — kicking off March 7 in Sochi, Russia — schools and communities across Canada are showing their support.
Over 25 schools are participating in Paralympic Schools Week, which actually runs for 12 days until the games begin.
Schools from coast to coast have been given the opportunity to meet some of the top disabled athletes.
With the help of corporate sponsors, the athletes are sharing their stories and answering questions.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee has also encouraged students to get involved during lead up to the opening ceremonies by designing ‘Good Luck’ posters, wearing the colours red and white, and even bringing the games into educational lesson plans.
Earlier this week, some schools had visist from athletes such as Jared Funk, Dave Durepos, Patricia Dagenais and Brian Hill.
Paralympic wheelchair rugby athlete Jared Funk wowed the kids at Bonnycastle this afternoon
— Pembina Trails SD (@PembinaTrails) February 24, 2014
Canadian Paralympic medallist Brian Hill visits the rec centre in Inukjuak on a first stop for #PSW2014 http://t.co/7t8gRAcl0g Great kids!!
— CDN Paralympic Team (@CDNParalympics) February 25, 2014
Shayne Smith and Paul Rosen, sledge hockey players for Canada’s Paralympic Team , are sharing their stories with us this morning.
— Waterloo Region DSB (@wrdsb) February 27, 2014