Wheelchair basketball player Kady Dandeneau and lawn bowler Ryan Bester will lead Canada’s delegation at the opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland on Thursday.
Dandeneau, a two-time Paralympian who won Commonwealth Games 3×3 gold in 2022, will carry the Canadian flag, while Bester, one of the most decorated bowlers in Canadian history, will carry the baton into the iconic Hydro arena.
Coverage begins on Thursday, starting with the pre-ceremony show at 2:30 p.m. ET, hosted by CBC Sports’ Andi Petrillo and Paralympic cycling medallist Nathan Clement. CBC Gem, CBCSports.ca and CBC will then have live coverage of the opening ceremony at 3 p.m. ET.
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Commonwealth Sport Canada invited each participating national sport organization to nominate candidates. The nominees were evaluated based on their athletic achievement and degree of participation, leadership qualities, and community service and contributions to sport, the announcement said.
The process sought athletes who embody the values of the Commonwealth Sport movement — humanity, equality and destiny — while serving as exceptional ambassadors.
“Kady and Ryan were selected not only because of their outstanding athletic achievements, but because of the leadership, character and service they have demonstrated throughout their careers,” said Erica Wiebe, Team Canada’s chef de mission for the Commonwealth Games.
“Kady has become a powerful advocate for inclusive sport and an inspiring leader within the Para sport community, while Ryan has represented Canada with distinction and humility for more than two decades on the international stage.
“Together, they embody the values of Team Canada and the Commonwealth movement, and we are proud to have them lead our team into the opening ceremony.”
Now you know: Kady Dandeneau
Dandeneau, from Pender Island, B.C., represented Canada at the Tokyo and Paris Paralympic Games and was named Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s female athlete of the year in 2020. The 36-year-old’s long list of accomplishments also includes MVP honours at last year’s 3×3 Open world championships and gold and silver medals at the Parapan American Games in 2019 and 2022, respectively. She’s also a Wheelchair Basketball Canada Hall of Famer.
Dandeneau currently serves on the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Players’ Commission, helping shape the future of the sport globally. She is an advocate for inclusive sport and a mentor to young athletes
“Carrying the Canadian flag into the opening ceremony is an honour that is difficult to put into words,” Dandeneau said. “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. I am proud to carry the flag for all Canadians and to share this experience with Ryan and the entire Team Canada family.”
Now you know: Ryan Bester
Glasgow will mark the seventh Commonwealth Games appearance for Bester, a two-time silver medallist at the event. The Hanover, Ont., native has more than two decades of experience representing Canada, earning 18 medals across the Commonwealth Games, world championships and Asia Pacific Championships — including four gold. He captured the men’s singles world title in 2023.
For the first time, every country and territory will receive a baton, which Bester will feature at the opening ceremony. Every nation will also customize and decorate the baton that represent their culture.
Bester was a member of the inaugural World Bowls Hall of Fame class in 2025, in recognition of his remarkable international career and lasting contribution to the sport. Like Dandeneau, Bester has earned a reputation as an exceptional competitor, mentor and ambassador for Canadian sport.
“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,” Bester said. “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.
“I am honoured to represent my teammates and Canadians from coast to coast to coast on this special occasion.”
The Commonwealth Games will take place from Thursday to Sunday, Aug. 2, featuring 10 sports and six Para sports. Team Canada will compete under the theme “Mighty, Together”, celebrating the power of sport to unite communities and inspire excellence.
“A sincere congratulations and thank you to Kady Dandeneau and Ryan Bester for proudly leading our athletes and carrying the Maple Leaf onto the world stage at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games,” said Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State for Sport. “With their leadership, dedication and commitment, they will be exceptional ambassadors for Team Canada, inspiring Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”
Leading Team Canada in Glasgow will be Wiebe, an Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion wrestler whose own Commonwealth journey began in Glasgow in 2014.
