An opportunity of a lifetime: 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing
QCH's Mia Van Bemmel had the opportunity of a lifetime to be involved in the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing. She played a significant role as a medical supervisor for the para hockey team and repeatedly expressed how great an honour it was.
Mia jumped at this opportunity because para-sports is dear to her. She has been volunteering for para hockey for over a decade, both locally and internationally. She's passionate about the Paralympics and supports an inclusive and accessible society. Mia volunteers for the Sledge Hockey of Eastern Ontario program and has participated in multiple para sporting events, including the 2018 Paralympics in South Korea. When she was asked to take on this new role in Beijing, she quickly accepted.
Mia's experience in Beijing was very different from her usual role as clinical manager of the COVID-19 care and testing centre on Moodie Drive. She enjoyed the games and saw the exceptional athletes, including some from the program she volunteers with in Ottawa. It made it even more special, and she was proud to see these athletes compete at the highest level and be awarded their silver medals.
“Just like the Olympics, it was a privilege to have the chance to be a part of that elite sporting event.”
Mia, along with her incredible team of World Para Ice Hockey Technical Officials, enjoyed the opening and closing ceremonies. Luckily, she completed her duties the week before the games, so she was able to watch and fully appreciate these amazing athletes performing. She even got to see a Canadian versus American match and found that memorable, despite team Canada losing.
Mia had many important responsibilities as a medical supervisor. She toured venues to check for accessibility to ensure they met the needs of athletes. She also had meetings with emergency medical services and personnel to practice emergency plans to remove injured players from the ice onto stretchers. It was new for her and the medical team, so they had many practice sessions.
Mia also liaised with the International Paralympic Committee and their medical committee, the local medical staff, and the team of physicians and therapists participating in the event for each nation. She also was the point of contact for the team and local medical staff. Additionally, she took care of the on-ice officials (linesmen and referees) to ensure they had emergency medical care.
Now that she has two Paralympics under her belt, her goal is to go to as many as possible. She's looking forward to joining the team in Milano Cortina in 2026. This is just the beginning for Mia!
