One of the world's best outside shooters in wheelchair basketball, David Durepos of Fredericton, New Brunswick, has been named the Opening Ceremony flag bearer for Team Canada at the Guadalajara 2011 Parapan American Games. (CNW Group/CANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEECANADIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE
Flag-bearer Dave Durepos led Canada into a raucous stadium as the Parapan American Games kicked off with the opening ceremony Saturday.
Durepos, a Fredericton native who plays on the men's wheelchair basketball team, was followed into Telmex Athletics Stadium by the Canadian team that includes 121 athletes and 11 guides, pilots and sports assistants.
Canada finished second at the 2007 Games in Rio de Janeiro, with 112 medals — 49 gold, 37 silver and 26 bronze.
The event serves a direct qualifier for the London Games in wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball.
Competition opens Sunday with 15 gold medals up for grabs
The Parapan Ams run until Nov. 20 and involves 1,500 athletes from 24 countries.