Regina’s Wheelchair Basketball Duo Aims for Paralympic Glory in Paris
In a compelling story of determination and teamwork, two Regina wheelchair basketball stars, Nik Goncin and Garrett Ostepchuk, are set to represent Canada once again at the Paralympic Games. The pair, who have formed a dynamic duo on the court, are gearing up for their second Paralympics together, this time in Paris for the 2024 Games.
Nik Goncin, 32, and Garrett Ostepchuk, 24, have a deep-rooted history in wheelchair basketball that began long before their first Paralympic appearance. Goncin, who lost his left leg to cancer at the age of 15, discovered wheelchair basketball through a high school clinic. The sport introduced him to a new community and ignited his passion. As co-captain of Canada’s national team, Goncin recalls his awe when he first saw the sport in action: “I was blown away—there’s chairs everywhere, players moving at 25 kilometers an hour. It’s adrenaline-fueled and incredibly thrilling.”
Their journey together started when Ostepchuk, who was born with muscular dystrophy, joined Goncin at a wheelchair basketball practice in Regina. Ostepchuk was a young teen then, recovering from surgery. “I remember the first time I saw Garrett,” Goncin said, reflecting on their early days. “He walked into the gym on his hands, with these halo configurations around his legs. If someone had told me then that we’d be teammates at two Paralympics, I would have been skeptical.”
For Ostepchuk, wheelchair basketball has been transformative. “It opened up my world and allowed me to do things I couldn’t in my everyday mobility chair,” he shared. Having joined the senior national team in 2017, Ostepchuk also plays professionally in Spain, where he faces high-level competition that’s less accessible in Canada due to the country’s size.
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Both athletes are excited for the opportunity to compete in Paris. Ostepchuk, who is known for his intense and competitive style, is particularly thrilled that his family will be able to attend this time, having missed the Tokyo Games due to COVID-19 restrictions. Goncin, meanwhile, takes pride in watching Ostepchuk’s growth as a player and the impact he’s having on the next generation of Saskatchewan athletes.
Canada’s wheelchair basketball team has faced challenges in recent years, with a tough finish in Tokyo and a sixth-place result at the 2022 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships. Goncin and Ostepchuk are determined to improve upon these results. They’re joined by fellow Saskatchewan native Chad Jassman, a first on the national team, adding to the local pride and support for the athletes.
As Team Canada’s Paralympic campaign kicks off against the host nation France on Friday, Goncin and Ostepchuk are ready to bring their best. Goncin hopes their presence will inspire others to explore wheelchair basketball or any Para sport, emphasizing, “You’re only as limited as the limits you set for yourself.”
With the Games set to begin, all eyes will be on this formidable Regina duo as they strive for excellence on the global stage.
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