“Canadian Para-Athlete Prepares to Shine in Torino: A Journey of Fun and Triumph Awaits!”

The Torino 2025 FISU World University Games Winter represent a groundbreaking occasion that young student-athletes will always remember—this sentiment resonates with Charles Lecours as he gears up for his inaugural participation in this historic series.

“My emphasis is more on enjoying these FISU Games than on securing medals. I mean, if I happen to win one, that would be fantastic, but I’m prepared to give it my all even if I do not,” expressed Lecours, a para cross-country skier studying accounting at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières.

This marks the first instance where para-athletes will compete alongside able-bodied athletes in alpine and cross-country skiing at Torino. “I’m feeling good; I’m a bit anxious, but this isn’t my first significant Games,” he elaborated. “I’ve participated in two Canada Games before, so I believe I know what to anticipate, what it will be like, but this is my first substantial international event, so we shall see.”

Near his sporting idols

Lecours, whose initial race is on January 15, is among a multitude of athletes who are making history at Torino 2025, and his journey thus far has been nothing less than extraordinary. Being in close proximity to some of his sports idols has profoundly impacted the young athlete.

With Torino 2025 setting a precedent as the first FISU Games to incorporate para-athletes into the competition framework, it prompts the inquiry: why now?

“I would say we now focus on the present and future, and we are thrilled to have para-student-athletes involved in alpine and cross-country skiing. They will also participate in Germany for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games Summer.”

Eder conveyed his enthusiasm for broadening the inclusion of para-athlete events in both the Winter and Summer Games. Along with his FISU colleagues, he is diligently striving to enhance the Games’ inclusiveness and captivate younger generations in sports.

“We must thoroughly assess which sports are feasible and which host cities possess the requisite facilities to include them [in additional sports within the FISU Games framework]. But we’re receptive, particularly towards modern sports, for more contemporary activities that appeal to the youth as we aim to tailor our program to young students.”

A significant milestone

This dedication to para-athletes has notably influenced rising competitors who aspire to develop their careers in their respective sports. Lecours acknowledged the significance of this milestone.

“It’s a fantastic move in the right direction, it undeniably reflects inclusivity since we, para-athletes, exert as much effort as everyone else and we truly desire to be part of the same gathering, of the same event, and I’m immensely proud and grateful to be the first Canadian to represent my sport here at the FISU Games.”

The Torino 2025 FISU World University Games will occur from January 13-23. Watch all events live on fisu.tv. Click the link to discover the complete schedule.

Authored by Veronica Andrea Garcia Sanchez, FISU Young Reporter, Mexico

The Young Reporters Programme showcases FISU’s dedication to more than just sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a selection of gifted aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the event.