A local athlete who was hoping to take part in the Paralympics this summer in Tokyo says he’s not surprised Canada’s pulling out of those games and the Olympic Games as well.

The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee issued joint statements Sunday evening saying that they refuse to send their teams to Tokyo unless their respective games are pushed back

Dave Innes told BayToday it’s a smart choice.

Innes says he’s focusing only on Para-Kayaking now.

“I should be able to get to world events by the end of the season. I’m going to transition to that. There’s way more opportunities for me in Para-Kayaking because it’s a new sport,” he says.

He says Para-Kayaking is going to suit him better.

“I’ll have more opportunities. It’s a power sport. I’ll be doing 200 metre sprints,” Innes says.

He says his opportunities with Rowing Canada have diminished in the past year.

(photo submitted by BayToday)

Filed under: Dave Innes