You can call Ina Forrest Captain Canada.
The Spallumcheen wheelchair curler is one of six Paralympians who will serve as Canada’s athlete leadership team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, slated for March 6 to 15.
Joining Forrest as one of five competing athlete co-captains are fellow British Columbian Tyler Turner from Campbell River, who competes on the slopes in Para Snowboard; Alexis Guimond (Gatineau, QC, Para Alpine Skiing); Brittany Hudak (Prince Albert, Sask., Para Nordic Skiing); and Tyler McGregor (Forest, Ont., Para Ice Hockey).
Retired Para Alpine Skiing star Mac Marcoux from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has been named the honourary captain of the Canadian Paralympic Team.
A new initiative for Milano Cortina 2026, the honorary captain and co-captains program recognizes the vital leadership of the athletes at the Games, and creates dedicated roles for them to serve as leaders and public faces of the Canadian Paralympic Team, sharing their teammates’ stories and engaging fans and supporters.
“We are so pleased to introduce Mac and the five co-captains – Ina, Alexis, Brittany, Tyler, and Tyler – in these new roles for Milano Cortina,” said Catherine Gosselin-Despres, Chief Sport Officer, Canadian Paralympic Committee. “They are all such experienced Paralympians and dedicated ambassadors for Para sport who provide the Canadian Paralympic Team with valuable leadership.
“Mac was a well-regarded leader during his accomplished career on the slopes and continues to be a leader in Para sport today. His vast experience, familiarity with the athletes, and tireless passion for the Paralympic Games make him a great fit as honourary captain.
“This is also a distinguished group of co-captains, and we know that each of them will proudly represent the Canadian Paralympic Team and help showcase their sports, the Paralympic Games, and the power of Para sport. We look forward to working with them all for Milano Cortina 2026.”
Forrest is one of Canada’s most decorated wheelchair curlers, and is also primed to be one of the most experienced members of the Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. Part of the Canadian Paralympic Athletes’ Council from 2020-2024, she is a four-time Paralympian (Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018, Beijing 2022) with two gold and two bronze medals.
“To me, the specialness of the Paralympic Games revolves around all the winter sports and athletes coming together as one big Team Canada. It is a supercharging dynamic,” said Forrest. “The co-captain initiative reflects just that. As the co-captain representing wheelchair curling, I hope to spotlight our team and our journey while together with my fellow co-captains foster team unity and connections between our respective sports.
“Together we can promote the passion that fuels Para sport.”
Forrest was recently inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will feature athletes competing in six sports – Para alpine skiing, Para ice hockey, Para nordic skiing (Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing), Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling.
The athletes set to compete for Canada at the Games will be announced between now and February 2026.