Statement by Minister Bell to PEI Olympic and Paralympic athletes

Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Zack Bell issued the following statement on PEI athletes competing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games:  

“Competing at the Olympic and Paralympic levels is an exceptional achievement in sport.

I would like to extend a huge congratulations and best wishes to Island athletes Brett Gallant, competing in both mixed doubles curling and men’s team curling, and Mark Arendz, competing in Paralympic nordic skiing, as they prepare to represent PEI and Canada in Italy.

Brett and Mark are outstanding athletes who have dedicated years of hard work, discipline, and perseverance to reach the highest level of their sports. Their achievements are a source of pride for Islanders and an inspiration to many young athletes.

Mark continues to inspire Canadians through his remarkable success in Paralympic sport, his resilience as an athlete, and long‑standing commitment to excellence on the international stage. Brett’s outstanding accomplishments in curling continue to highlight his world‑class performance and the teamwork required to compete at this level of sport.

I would also like to congratulate and recognize the contributions of Menno Arendz, coach for Canada’s Para biathlon team, and Grant Boswall, equipment manager for the Canadian Men’s Para ice hockey team, also representing PEI and Canada at the Games. Their expertise and support behind the scenes are essential to helping athletes perform at their best on the world stage.

We are extremely proud of these Islanders and wish them the best of luck. We will be watching the competitions and cheering on from home!”

 

Media contact:
Marla Morrison            
Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture
marlamorrison@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder: 

About the PEI athletes 

  • Mark Arendz is one of Prince Edward Island’s most accomplished athletes and a trailblazer in Canadian para sport. Born in Charlottetown, he is a world‑class biathlete and cross‑country skier who has become one of Canada’s most decorated winter Paralympian, earning 12 Paralympic medals and 11 World Championship titles over a career spanning four Paralympic Winter Games. Beyond his competitive success, Arendz is recognized for his leadership, resilience, and impact on the growth and profile of para sport in Canada. His legacy is honoured through the Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park at Brookvale, a place where Islanders and visitors alike are inspired by his achievements and commitment to sport.

  • Brett Gallant is one of Canada’s top curlers, known for his Olympic bronze at Beijing 2022 and multiple national and world titles. Born in Charlottetown, he won the 2009 Canadian Junior Championship and World Junior silver the same year. Gallant has earned five Brier titles and has medaled at several World Championships. In mixed doubles, he and partner Jocelyn Peterman are two‑time national champions, silver medalists at the 2019 World Mixed Doubles Championship, and were once again named to Team Canada after winning the 2025 Canadian Mixed Doubles Trials. Gallant will also compete in the men’s four‑person event as second on Team Brad Jacobs, becoming the first Canadian curler to compete in two disciplines at a single Olympic Games.

     

About Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games

  • The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place February 6 to 22, 2026.
  • The competitions will begin on February 4, with the Opening Ceremony on February 6 and the Closing Ceremony on February 22.
  • More than 2,900 athletes from over 90 countries are expected to compete in 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, making these among the largest Winter Games to date.
  • Canada will send 207 athletes to compete in 14 of the 16 disciplines on the program.
  • This will be Canada’s 25th Winter Games appearance, having participated in every edition since 1924.

 

About Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games

  • The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place March 6 to 15, 2026, with wheelchair curling beginning on March 4.
  • Approximately 665 athletes will compete in 79 medal events across six sports including Para alpine skiing, Para cross‑country skiing, Para biathlon, Para snowboard, Para ice hockey, and Para wheelchair curling.
  • Canadian athletes will be competing across all six Paralympic sports.
  • The Games mark the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics and Italy’s second time hosting the event.
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