Maryam Salehizadeh

Started: She began playing goalball at age 14 at high school in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. (paralympic.ca, 16 Dec 2022) Reason: She was introduced to the sport by her older brother. "I quickly fell in love with it and decided to pursue it professionally." (mosaicbc.org, 26 Jan 2023; blindbeginnings.ca, 01 Jan 2021) Ambition: To win a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (immigrantmusemagazine.ca, 09 Jun 2022) Awards: While representing the Islamic Republic of Iran, she was named Best Offensive Player at the Asian Para Games in 2010 and 2014. (paralympic.ca, 16 Dec 2022) Additional Info: MOVE TO CANADA She was born in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and represented the country in goalball at the Asian Para Games in 2010 and 2014. In 2016 she moved to Canada, claiming refugee status, and received permanent residence in 2019. She joined the Canadian national goalball team the same year. "Canada is the place to grow. We can dream and achieve whatever we want here. Because people and the government here respect you. It is easy to grow here if you are determined. I've sacrificed being with my friends and family. I also had to deal with many accusations that I am selfish and don't care about others. Like other immigrants, I faced challenges such as the language barrier, access to local services, housing, employment, loneliness, etc. Sports played a large role in helping me overcome many barriers." (paralympic.ca, 16 Dec 2022; immigrantmusemagazine.ca, 09 Jun 2022; blindbeginnings.ca, 01 Jan 2021) FURTHER EDUCATION She has studied English at Vancouver Community College in British Columbia, Canada, and aspires to become an English as a second language [ESL] teacher or a settlement worker. (paralympic.ca, 29 Jun 2021)