Paralympian Dandeneau, lawn bowler Bester named Canada's Commonwealth Games bearers

Canada's Kady Dandeneau heads past England's Amy Conroy on the way to a 13-8 victory in women's 3x3 wheelchair basketball action at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England on Sunday, July 31, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan

GLASGOW — Wheelchair basketball player Kady Dandeneau and lawn bowler Ryan Bester will lead Canada’s team into Thursday’s opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Sport Canada announced Dandeneau as the flag-bearer Tuesday, while Bester will carry the baton into OVO Hydro in Glasgow.

Dandeneau, a 36-year-old from Pender Island, B.C., is a two-time Paralympian who won gold with Canada’s 3x3 wheelchair basketball team at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“Carrying the Canadian flag into the opening ceremony is an honour that is difficult to put into words,” said Dandeneau in a statement. “To represent Team Canada and the entire Canadian sport community in this way is incredibly special.

“I hope this moment inspires young athletes, especially those in adaptive sport, to believe that they belong and that anything is possible.”

Bester will make his seventh appearance at the event.

The 41-year-old from Hanover, Ont., has earned 18 medals at the Commonwealth Games, world championships and Asia Pacific Championships.

“The Commonwealth Games have played an important role in my life and career, so to be named Team Canada’s Baton Bearer for the Opening Ceremony is truly humbling,” said Bester. “Representing Canada at a seventh Commonwealth Games is already incredibly meaningful, and to help lead our team into the stadium alongside Kady is something I will never forget.”

The Commonwealth Games run Thursday through Aug. 2.

Canada’s contingent will also include seven-time Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse and hammer throw champions Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2026.