CANMORE, AB – November 21, 2025 – The Alberta World Cup Society and Alberta Event Hosting Society for Biathlon are getting ready to host the 2025 FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup and the 2025 IBU Para Biathlon World Cup at the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park from December 3–14. In the lead-up to this exciting showcase of athletic excellence, Bow Valley schools are joining in to build momentum and community spirit around the event.
From November 26–28, Canadian skiing legends Josh Dueck and Mike Shaw will visit Bow Valley schools to share their inspiring journeys and introduce students to members of the National Ski Team competing in both the FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup and the IBU Para Biathlon World Cup.
Josh Dueck, a Canadian Paralympic Hall of Famer, has an impressive background that spans coaching, Paralympic competition, and advocacy. A Paralympic Champion and pioneer in Para alpine sit-skiing, Josh is also an international speaker and spokesperson for adaptive sport and inclusion.
Joining him is Mike Shaw, who is equally passionate about meeting the Bow Valley students:
“We want students and educators to leave our presentations with real tools they can use right now, and then see those lessons in action as they watch the world’s best Para Nordic athletes compete in Canmore,” says Shaw. “The athletes’ stories, like ours, prove that resilience isn’t what brings you back, it’s what moves you forward. You don’t just survive challenges, you grow through them.“
A former professional skier and Olympic development coach, Mike is now a respected mental health counsellor and motivational speaker. Both Josh and Mike have faced life-changing spinal cord injuries, yet neither allowed those challenges to define their futures. Their presentation will blend personal storytelling, practical insights, and humour, focusing on resilience, mindset, and gratitude; the key elements that helped them rebuild their lives and find purpose beyond their injuries.
“Not all adversity is equal, and not all disabilities look the same. And that’s exactly what Josh and I will be diving into as we share how challenges help you grow and connect to a deeper sense of purpose. Difficulties don’t disqualify you from success, they qualify you to take on bigger and better things. How you respond in the face of adversity is where resilience begins,” says Shaw.
With the generous support of the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation and Rocky Mountain Adaptive, Josh and Mike look forward to connecting with the Bow Valley community and inspiring the next generation of athletes and leaders.
MORE COMING FOR BOW VALLEY SCHOOLS
Starting December 1–14, students will also take part in an Adopt-A-Nation program, where local businesses will partner with Canmore schoolchildren to cheer on Para World Cup competitors.
From December 4–11, Bow Valley schools will have the opportunity to attend the Para Cross-Country and Para Biathlon World Cups, complete with viewing guides and hands-on experiences designed to engage both teachers and youth in the excitement of international competition.