Canadian athlete and Vegreville resident Sarah Melenka is preparing for her debut at this year’s Paralympic Games in France later this summer. Sarah is a lifelong athlete who competed on St. Mary’s Catholic High School track team and standing volleyball team. After she was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, which prevents the movement of blood and oxygen to nerve and muscle cells in 2014, Melenka never gave up on her love of volleyball. After graduating from high school, Sarah made the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology volleyball team, but after suffering a stress fracture, was unable to continue playing standing volleyball. At the suggestion of Volleyball Canada’s Ian Halliday, she switched to sitting volleyball.
This year marks Melenka’s first time competing in the Paralympic Games. She says that as she gears up to head to Paris, France, emotions are running high.
Melenka hopes her previous career achievements and experience will help in competing in the Games.
Twenty two sports will be featured at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The opening ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 28th, with the events beginning the next day. The Paralympic Games will run from August 29th until September 8th. For more information or to view the complete schedule for the Games events, please visit www.olympics.com.
