The 2024 Paralympics came to a close on Sunday and a myriad of athletes are now on their way home after competing.
Among those returning with a medal is Jenn Oakes of Calgary, the first UBC Okanagan Heat alumni to win a medal at either the Olympics or the Paralympics.
Oakes earned third place in the women’s sitting volleyball event as Canada won its first-ever medal in the sport.
"We could not be more proud of Jenn and all that she has accomplished," said Heat head coach Steve Manuel, who coached Oakes during her two years with UBCO.
"This medal is the culmination of eight to nine years of hard work for her and her teammates. When she started, Canada was not yet in the conversation on the world stage. But now they are a powerhouse in the world of sitting volleyball and Jenn is a huge part of that success."
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Oakes had 12 points and eight blocks in Canada’s win against Brazil for the bronze medal on Saturday.
The win was extra special for Canada as they lost to Brazil in the bronze medal game at the Tokyo Olympics, and so, this past weekend's match was revenge for Oakes and her teammates.
The Calgary native has been a member of the Canadian sitting volleyball team since 2015.
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