Dunkerley and McQueen to lead athletics team at 2011 Parapan American Games.

OTTAWA – Athletics Canada is pleased to announce today that Jason Dunkerley of Ottawa, Ont., and Alister McQueen of Calgary, Alta., have been named co-captains of the 2011 Parapan American Games athletics (track and field) team.  Athletics competition at the XVI Parapan American Games begins November 14 and will continue through to November 18 at Telmax Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico.  The duo will work together to provide the leadership, guidance and perspective necessary to ensure a positive learning experience at the Games for the young team.

“It gives me great pride to work with two hard working and dedicated athletes,” states Lead Coach David Grieg.  "From an international performance perspective we have a very young team; with Jason and Alister at the helm we are seeing both the veteran savvy and youthful vigour of our program”. 

Dunkerley, the reigning Parapan Am Games champion, expects nothing less than gold in the men’s T11 classification 1500-metres.  The veteran extended his season in order to see where he and new guide runner Josh Karanja of Ottawa, Ont., stand with less than one year left in preparation for the 2012 Paralympic Games.  Dunkerley and Karanja will also line up in the 5000-metres final.  

McQueen will get his first taste of an international major Games competition in the men’s F44 classification javelin throw.  The 20-year old Canadian record holder will also compete in the 100-metres and 200-metres.

For more information please visit www.athletics.ca/page.asp?id=536.  You can also follow all the action on Twitter (@athleticscanada) and Facebook (CanadaTrackandField).  

-AC-

Robyn Woods
Assistant, Communications and Events
Athletics Canada
(613) 260-5580 x.3334