Smith cheers on Team Canada at Milano Cortina 2026

Kingston, Ont. – As the world prepares for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Smith School of Business is excited to cheer on Team Canada and celebrate its partnerships with the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee.

“The Olympic and Paralympic Games showcase the very best of determination, resilience and excellence,” said Lynnette Purda, Interim Dean. “We are proud to support Team Canada athletes as they compete on the world’s biggest stage.”

Milano Cortina 2026 marks the return of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games to Italy, with events hosted across Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and alpine venues throughout northern Italy. The Olympic Winter Games will take place from February 6 to 22, followed by the Paralympic Winter Games from March 6 to 15.

As the Official National Business Education Partner of the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee, Smith supports the broader Canadian sport system by helping athletes prepare for what comes next, both during their competitive careers and beyond.

Through its partnership with Game Plan, Canada’s holistic athlete-support program, Smith provides academic opportunities and financial awards to current and former Canadian National Team, Olympic and Paralympic athletes across its Certificate in Business, MBA and professional graduate programs. These offerings are designed to equip athletes with business knowledge and practical skills that support long-term career success beyond sport.

Smith students and alumni at Milano Cortina 2026

Smith is thrilled to recognize students and alumni involved in the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games, whether competing as athletes or contributing through support roles with Team Canada and its partners.

Among the athletes representing Team Canada at the Olympics are alumni Jocelyn Peterman (CIB’20, Curling) and Emerance Maschmeyer (CIB’17, Women’s Hockey), alongside current Certificate in Business students Blayre Turnbull (Women’s Hockey), Laura Stacey (Women’s Hockey), Amy Fraser (Freestyle Ski – Halfpipe) and Kaylie Buck (Parallel Giant Slalom).

Smith alumni and current students are also contributing behind the scenes through leadership, support and operational roles with the IOC, COC, CPC and partner organizations, including Emilie Fournel (MMIE’19), Andrew Baker (EMBAA’20), Colin Freeman (EMBAA’20), Erica Wiebe (EMBAA’22), Oluseyi Smith (EMBAA’23), Marie-Andrée Lessard (EMBAA’24), Jenn Nadolny (EMBA’25), Ella Mawdsley (EMBAA’27), Greg Douglas (MBA’19), Ryan Sommer (CIB’19), Olivier Jean (MMIE’20), Kerry Dankers (CIB’20), Claire Carver-Dias (EMBAA’21), and Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski (CIB’21).

Check back here for an updated list of athletes competing in the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in the coming weeks. For more information on athlete rosters, sports and schedules, visit olympic.ca and paralympic.ca.