Air Canada Foundation brings inspiring youth to Milan for once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cheer on Team Canada

The Paralympic Games embody the resilience, determination, and spirit that define the power of sport. This March, sixteen-year-old Blake carried those same qualities with him to Milan.

A dedicated high-performance hockey player, Blake’s life changed suddenly in January 2024. Two days after returning to Victoria from a tournament in Las Vegas, subtle aches he experienced during competition led to a diagnosis of transverse myelitis. Within hours, he was flown to a children’s hospital for emergency care. The rare condition, which causes inflammation of the spinal cord, resulted in a loss of mobility and a profound shift in Blake’s identity as an athlete.

Despite the challenges of navigating this new chapter, Blake never lost his optimism or passion for sport.

Less than a year after his diagnosis, Blake tried para-ice hockey for the first time and instantly found a renewed sense of belonging on the ice. Since then, he has embraced adaptive sport with enthusiasm and a strong commitment to building his skills. His determination and positive outlook made him a natural fit for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity made possible through Air Canada, the official airline of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, the Air Canada Foundation, and by recommendation from Shine Foundation: the chance to experience the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan.

From the moment he arrived, Blake immersed himself in the atmosphere of the Games. At the para-ice hockey semi-finals, he saw the sport he had embraced played at its highest level, studying not only the speed and skill on the ice but also the equipment used by the athletes. Each moment offered inspiration and perspective, broadening his understanding of the sport and a desire to bring what he observed back home to help improve opportunities and experiences for his peers.

One of the most meaningful moments came when Blake attended a closed Team Canada para‑ice hockey practice and met members of the team, including captain Tyler McGregor. Their connection was immediate. The athletes shared reflections on leadership, adapting to change, and staying connected to the joy of sport, messages Blake absorbed deeply. The experience helped him reimagine his own relationship with the game and consider how he might carry these lessons forward, both personally and by helping grow the sport within his own community.

Blake’s journey continued at the bronze and gold medal games, where the arena pulsed with competitive energy and national pride. At Canada Paralympic House, he and his family joined fellow fans and athletes to celebrate, reflect, and feel the strength and unity of the Canadian Paralympic community.

“This experience changed everything for Blake,” said Jen, Blake’s mother. “It helped him find confidence and peace, and to see that using a wheelchair doesn’t limit his future or his dreams. Being in Milan showed him that he still belongs in sport, even at the highest level, on the ice, and in his community. Seeing what’s possible has allowed him to dream bigger and believe in what he can achieve. These are memories we will carry with us forever.”

“This experience reflects the commitment of the Air Canada Foundation to lift families up during life’s most challenging moments and help young people see new possibilities for themselves,” said Eric Lauzon, Director, Community Relations & Partnerships. “Blake’s journey is a reminder of the profound impact sport can have on confidence, healing, and hope. By working closely with our partners, we can help create moments that continue to comfort and inspire families well beyond the trip itself.”

Blake was selected for this experience in partnership with Shine Foundation, whose mission is to foster confidence, independence, and optimism by fulfilling individualized “Shine Dreams” that support youth as they transition into adulthood. The initiative aligns closely with the Air Canada Foundation’s mission to ignite hope in children facing adversity through programs and partnerships that promote health, well-being, and opportunity.

The Air Canada Foundation is a Canadian registered charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children across the country. Through its core pillars, the Foundation helps young people spread their wings. More information about its mission and programs can be found here.