Tara Chisholm has recovered from cancer she was disagnosed with earlier this year, she told the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Courtesy/Tara Chisholm

By Eli J. Ridder

SMILE SUNDAYS

Medicine Hat’s Tara Chisholm finds success at international tournament

Nov 3, 2024 | 10:16 AM

Tara Chisholm, founder and key figure of Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport and Recreation, has found success on the international stage.

Chisholm, who has recovered from cancer since earlier this year, coached the Para ice hockey team to a silver medal at the Women’s World Challenge earlier this week.

It’s the most important tournament of the season and a showcase for possible Paralympic Games inclusion, according to a news release from the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Canada beat opponents Great Britain 10-0, Team Pacific 12-0 and Team Europe 4-0. The team’s only loss was to the United States in the final where they lost 3-0.

Chisholm started intensive treatment following a Lymphoma diagnosis in early February. She was told she didn’t have cancer cells any longer on Sept. 26 after biopsies.

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“So my doctor that day, the oncologist, cleared me,” Chisholm said, in a news release.

“I feel very grateful to be here.”

While there were five teams at the World Challenge, the tournament featured players from 12 countries, according to the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

The hope at this time is that women’s Para ice hockey will be able to hold its first world championships, perhaps as early as next season, and ultimately be included in the 2030 Paralympic Winter Games, the release said.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was launched to help Chisholm tackle future medical expenses of travel, food, and accommodation was launched for the beloved community leader.

The adaptive sports organization, run by Chisholm and her husband Derek Whitson, has touched many lives, those part of the organization.

Now, she’s back to winning ways.