Swimmer Stephanie Dixon named assistant chef de mission for Parapan Am Games

Canada's Stephanie Dixon prepares to start in the final of the Women's 50m Freestyle S9 at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games in Beijing Sunday Sept 14, 2008. (AP / Greg Baker)

OTTAWA - Three-time Paralympic swimmer Stephanie Dixon was named Canada's assistant chef de mission for the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games on Tuesday.

Dixon, from Brampton, Ont., won 19 medals over her Paralympic career and still holds the world record in the 100-metre backstroke in her class (S9). She also won seven medals at the 2007 Parapan American Games in Rio.

"I could not be more excited and honoured to be named assistant chef de mission for the 2015 Parapan American Games," said Dixon. "The Toronto 2015 Parapan Am Games are close to my heart as I am from that area myself. I cannot wait to see Canada's top athletes face off against some of the best in the world on home soil.

"I know what an important competition these Games are for athletes to build momentum in pursuit of success on the international stage and I'm excited to assist chef de mission Elisabeth Walker-Young in mentoring and supporting our Canadian athletes."

As assistant chef de mission, Dixon will be a team spokesperson and will help support the athletes and Canadian team as a whole to ensure an optimal environment of success. The Parapan Games will run Aug. 7-15 at venues across southern Ontario.

The Pan Am Games will be held July 10-26.