Josh Vander Vies - Paralympian, advocate and accessibility champion

As the world's attention turns to the 2024 Paralympic Games, set to begin on August 28, 'Team YVR' lined up in the terminal to cheer as we sent off our Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Josh Vander Vies, who will serve as co-Chef de Mission. Led by CEO Tamara Vrooman, we cheered loudly as Josh made his way to the gate to depart for Paris. There, he will  encourage, support and celebrate all 126 incredible Canadian athletes who will be competing on the biggest stage of sports. Over a period of 11 days, our Canadian team will count among 4,400 athletes from all over the world who will participate in nearly 550 events through 23 sports including goalball, wheelchair basketball and a range of athletics.

The Paralympics celebrate diversity and promote equity, values that are important to YVR and our community. As we continue our work to create an accessible airport for all, improving the travel experience for our guests, and serving our broader community, we're incredibly excited for Josh to represent our airport, city, and country on the world stage over the next few weeks.

As a Paralympian competing in boccia, Josh Vander Vies pursued a championship in several Games, landing a bronze at the London 2012 Paralympics. As a lawyer and leader he champions the rule of law and reduction of barriers. This experience led to his role as president of AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, where he championed athlete rights. Now, as co-chef de mission, he will champion accessible sport and inclusion on the world stage.

At the Paralympics, athletes compete on a level playing field alongside athletes with similar disabilities. This aligns with YVR’s commitment to non-discrimination, where we foster a workplace that values and respects every individual. We are so proud of Josh and his work to create equity in sport, and how that passion translates to his role at YVR to create equity and promote inclusion in aviation.