John Azlen

That’s certainly the case for Windsor’s rose City Riot wheelchair basketball athlete John Azlen who brought his team to its first Ontario Parasport Games in Mississauga in 2022 to return home with a bronze medal.

Apart from Azlen’s individual parasport goals, he’s committed to developing upcoming athletes so they too can reach their highest potential. That commitment includes being part of the Athlete Council for the 2025 Ontario Parasport Games in Niagara. “Sports are for the athletes, and it’s important that the athletes have input on these events so that we’re provided with the amenities we need that might otherwise be overlooked,” he says. 

For Azlen, a great Games experience also includes athletes from other sports coming together and socializing at the same event. “Parasports create an environment where everyone is welcome, regardless of disability,” he asserts. “It’s where we are able to try something new without judgment.” 

Aside from sport, and his day job as a frame specialist in the eyewear industry, Azlen is busy with other interests too, like camping, kayaking and photography.