Despite being almost three weeks since the end of the Games, the Welcome Home events are bringing together athletes, coaches, friends, families and communities for an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of Canada's Paralympic heroes during their time in Sochi.

The Canadian Paralympic Committee finished third overall on the medals table, picking up seven gold medals, two silvers and seven bronze.

All athletes attending the events have received personalised Paralympian Welcome Home banners and limited edition gold-plated coins created by CIBC and the Canadian Mint.

"As a proud partner of the Canadian Paralympic Team, CIBC is honoured to shine a spotlight on these amazing athletes and celebrate their tremendous accomplishments at our CIBC Paralympian Welcome Home events," said Laura Dottori-Attanasio, senior executive vice-president and chief risk officer at CIBC.

"By bringing communities together at our branches to welcome them home, we're not only celebrating Canada's diversity, but we're also hoping to raise greater awareness for the Paralympic movement and motivate this nation's youth to stay active and healthy."

Members of the community were given the opportunity to visit their Paralympic heroes in their hometown at local CIBC branches ©Canadian Press Images/Jeff Bassett



CIBC is hosting the celebrations at its branches in Paralympians' hometowns.

The first of these events was held in Winnipeg on March 22 to honour Dennis Thiessen, who won his first Paralympic gold medal in wheelchair curling.

"We are proud to have CIBC as a partner who not only helped us to raise visibility for our Paralympians during the Games, but is also continuing to celebrate them after the Games," said Gaétan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

"The CIBC Welcome Home events will showcase our Sochi Paralympians to all Canadians."

Bal Gosal, Canadian Minister of State for Sport, added: "I commend CIBC and the Canadian Paralympic Committee for working together to keep the spirit of the Paralympic movement alive after the Games have ended.

"Our Government is proud to support these remarkable athletes who represent our country with such athleticism and pride, and their achievements should be celebrated.

"It's fitting that CIBC is hosting these celebrations for our Paralympic heroes given its support of amateur sport and history of engaging people in communities across Canada."

The CIBC is the exclusive banking partner of the Canadian Paralympic following a four-year partnership deal signed in October 2013.

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