Jolan Wong

Sport is Sport for Paralympic Bronze Medalist Jolan Wong

For Paralympian Jolan Wong, the “sense of community” is what makes a for great games experience? On the heels of returning from the 2024 Paris Paralympics with a bronze medal performance in the women’s sitting volleyball event, her next parasport goal is to achieve another podium finish at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.

Self-described as optimistic and determined, Wong is a full-time mom of three. She home-schools her children while finding time to be active in her community of Pembroke, Ont., teaching sitting volleyball in schools and public speaking. She has also studied to be a personal fitness trainer.

For Wong, the most challenging part of competing in parasport is the lack of resources and established parasport communities outside of major city centres. But she strives to be part of the solution to that problem by teaching the next generation. “That, and creating inclusive environments where everyone can play, are what I consider to be my best accomplishments in parasport,” explains Wong.

As a member of the inaugural Athlete Council for the Ontario Parasport Games, she joined the advisory team for the 2025 Niagara Ontario Parasport Games to share her experiences and expertise that comes with 16 years as a national team member and three-time Paralympian. 

“Sport is sport” she asserts. “I want people to know that parasport is played in an adaptive way that can include everybody, and not just people with a disability. Every adaptive sport has skills that crossover between the traditional sport and the adaptive sport.”