Public Celebration November 1 for Paralympic Games Medalist Nicholas Bennett
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach and the Ravensong Aquatic Club invite residents to join in celebrating the achievements of Paralympian Nicholas Bennett on November 1 at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Nicholas, who grew up in Parksville, won two gold medals and a silver medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. He also had the honour of being Canada’s flag bearer for the closing ceremonies.
Event details:
Date: Friday, November 1
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Ravensong Aquatic Centre (lobby), 737 Jones St. Qualicum Beach
Activities: Attendees will have an opportunity to meet Nicholas and take some photos as well as enjoy some refreshments while guest speakers kick off the event.
Nicholas began swimming competitively at the age of seven and joined the Ravensong Breakers Aquatic Club in 2010, enjoying 12 seasons with them. While still early in his swim career, he has won multiple medals at the local, national and international level and holds multiple records, including a world record in the S14 200-metre individual medley. He won Canada’s first gold medal of the 2024 Paralympic Games with his win in the SB14 100-metre breaststroke. He also won gold in the S14 200-metre individual medley and a silver in the S14 200-metre freestyle.
In addition to Nicholas Bennett, we recognize and celebrate all athletes who qualified and participated in the 2024 Paralympic Games including five-time Paralympian Trevor Hirschfield from Parksville who was co-captain of Team Canada’s wheelchair rugby team. Competing at the international level takes years of practice and dedication to accomplish. Congratulations to all Paralympic Games competitors.
Quotes
“On behalf of the Regional District of Nanaimo, I extend our congratulations to Nicholas Bennett on winning multiple medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games and gratitude for being an amazing ambassador for Canada and for our community at this high level of sporting excellence. It takes a tremendous amount of commitment and support for athletes to achieve their dreams and succeed on the international stage as Nicholas has. We wish him continued success in his future athletic endeavours.”
Vanessa Craig, Chair, Regional District of Nanaimo
“Nicholas Bennett is a dedicated and talented athlete, evidenced by his incredible victory at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris earlier this year. We are proud and honoured that Nicholas represents the City of Parksville on the world stage and is a role model and inspiration to so many. We acknowledge the dedication and persistence, as well as the sacrifices made by Nicholas and his family which allow Nicholas to reach these unbelievable accomplishments. On behalf of Parksville Council, my sincere congratulations to Nicholas, his sister and coach, Haley Bennett-Osborne, and parents, Lise Peters and Shawn Bennett, for your success at the Paralympics.”
Doug O’Brien, Mayor, City of Parksville
"The Town of Qualicum Beach is incredibly proud to have such a world-class athlete in our midst. We congratulate Nicholas on his remarkable achievement of winning gold and silver at the 2024 Paralympics. His success embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination, inspiring others in our community to also pursue their dreams.”
Teunis Westbroek, Mayor, Town of Qualicum Beach
“From the Ravensong Swim Club both past and present, congratulations Nicholas on your success. Your hard work and perseverance in achieving your dream of gold is inspirational. You worked hard overcoming many challenges to get where you are today. You deserve all the rewards your achievements bring. Congratulations from all your Ravensong Aquatic Club friends.”
Taralee Wahl, President, Ravensong Aquatic Club
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Taylor
Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Nanaimo
250-713-2400
engagement@rdn.bc.ca
Deb Tardiff
Manager of Communications
City of Parksville
250-954-3073
communications@parksville.ca
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