The Bracebridge Falls were illuminated in violet Tuesday night as part of the nation-wide “IGNITE the Lights Across Canada” campaign ahead of the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, France.
The other 49 locations include the CN Tower and Niagara Falls.
The campaign is being done to honour Canada’s Paralympic team, which includes Bracebridge’s Mary Jibb.
The 17-year-old told the MyMuskokaNow.com newsroom how she suffered a stroke just before her sixth birthday but, through swimming, has been able to rehabilitate. She trains at the Bracebridge Sportsplex with the Muskoka Aquatic Club and her coach Heather Lee.
Jibb will compete in the 100-metre backstroke, butterfly, and freestyle events, along with the 200-metre individual medley.
Bracebridge’s Mayor Rick Maloney says he’s proud to know a local athlete is preparing to compete on one of the biggest sporting stages in the world.
“It’s an opportunity for us to pay tribute to all Paralympians but also our own athlete, Mary,” he says. “We want to wish her all the best. We know that she will give her all and we will cheer her on.”
The Paralympics are being held from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.
The qualifying rounds for Jibb’s events are scheduled on the first few days of the Paralympics.
