Canada's most decorated female Paralympian Chantal Petitclerc has met with Rio 2016 hopefuls in Calgary ©Dave Holland/CPC

Canada's most decorated female Paralympian Chantal Petitclerc has met with Rio 2016 hopefuls in Calgary on the second stop of her countrywide tour ahead of this year’s Paralympic Games.

The wheelchair racer, Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, provided words of encouragement for Para-swimmer Morgan Bird, London 2012 gold medal-winning wheelchair basketball player Chad Jassman and Para-triathlete Stefan Daniel, who is aiming for his first Games when his sport debuts in Rio de Janeiro. 

The trio, all residents of Calgary, were attending a wheelchair basketball demonstration and thanked the community for its backing.

"We are grateful to have such a great support network both nationally and at a community level," said 18-year-old Daniel, who won gold in the men’s PT4 category at last year’s Para-Triathlon World Championships in Chicago.

"The Paralympic Movement continues to grow and that is because more Canadians are getting behind our athletes and encouraging them."

Petitclerc is crossing the country this year to promote Paralympic sport and athletes on the road to Rio.

The eight-city tour got under way last month in Ottawa with the third stop due to be Halifax on February 9.

Canadian Para-swimmer Morgan Bird was among the trio of athletes to meet Chantal Petitclerc
Canadian Para-swimmer Morgan Bird was among the trio of athletes to meet Chantal Petitclerc ©Getty Images

"With just over seven months to go until the Paralympic Games in Rio, it is a thrill to connect with our high performance athletes who are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for the podium," said Petitclerc, a five-time Paralympian who won 21 wheelchair racing medals at the Games, including 14 golds.

"Stefan, Chad and all our Rio hopefuls are impressive ambassadors and role models for all Canadians."

Jassman accompanied Petitclerc throughout the day, with afternoon visits to a school and sponsors, as well as a fundraising event with the Paralympic Foundation of Canada all taking place.

He also took part in a gym session at the Mount Royal University alongside team-mates from the Calgary Grizzlies, a local wheelchair basketball club.

"Thank you to the community for such a warm welcome and enthusiastic, ongoing support," said Jassman.

"It makes a big difference, as an athlete when you are competing at the Games, to know that Canada is behind you."

Bird won three medals in the pool at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, including golds in the 400m freestyle S8 and 50m freestyle S8. 

She will also be looking to make her mark at the Paralympic Games, which are due to take place from September 7 to 18.