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January 19, 2016

Raymond hits the hardwood

Stamps defensive back Keon Raymond spent the morning at Mount Royal University trying out wheelchair basketball.

The demonstration was part of a the Rio 2016 Tour with Chantal Petitclerc, Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Local Rio hopefuls Chad Jassman (basketball) and Stefan Daniel (para-triathlon) were on hand today to help promote the 2016 Rio Games.Wheelchair-Basketball-paralympic-games-rio-2016-keon-raymond-community

Raymond hit the hardwood with Jassman and his teammates from the Calgary Grizzlies, a local wheelchair basketball team.

Raymond came into the event with some experience playing wheelchair football at the Alberta’s Children’s Hospital and has also been a member of the Stamps’ basketball team for the past five seasons. Combining the two was new territory for the 33-year-old, but after picking up some tips he did a great job, even sinking a deep three-pointer.

“With just over seven months to go until the Paralympic Games in Rio, it is a thrill to connect with our high performance athletes who are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for the podium,” said Petitclerc, a five-time Paralympian who won 21 medals at the Games in a brilliant wheelchair racing career. “Stefan, Chad and all our Rio hopefuls are impressive ambassadors and role models for all Canadians.”

“Thank you to the community for such a warm welcome today and enthusiastic, ongoing support,” said Jassman. “It makes a big difference, as an athlete when you are completing at the Games, to know that Canada is behind you.”

Petitclerc is traveling across the country on an eight-city tour to promote Paralympic sports and athletes on the road to Rio. The Paralympic Games will take place Sept. 7 to 18.