Patrick Jarvis
Paralympic Builder- Inducted 2024
Patrick Jarvis is a dedicated advocate for empowering individuals with disabilities through sports, leaving a lasting impact on the Paralympic movement. With a remarkable career spanning decades, Jarvis has excelled both as an athlete and a leader.
As a Paralympic athlete, Jarvis proudly represented Canada on the international stage. Competing in events like the 1990 World Championships in Assen and the 1992 Paralympic Summer Games in Barcelona, he showcased his talent in field events but primarily in track events including the 800m and 1500m. Transitioning from athlete to team manager, Jarvis brought his wealth of competitive experience to roles within the Canadian team mission staff, including serving as Chef de Mission at the 1998 Paralympic Winter Games in Nagano.
Throughout his tenure as President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), Jarvis led the organization through a transformative period, bolstering its presence within the Paralympic movement and championing athlete-centered initiatives. His leadership extended beyond the Paralympic scope, with volunteer roles at prominent organizations like WinSport, the University of Guelph and SAIT, as well as advisory positions within Canadian government bodies.
Internationally, Jarvis made significant contributions during his 12-year tenure on the International Paralympic Committee board, including serving as Chair of the Development Committee and serving on the London 2012 IOC Games Coordination Commission.
Notably, Jarvis’s impact extends beyond sports administration. As Executive Director at Canada Snowboard and interim CEO of Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton, he spearheaded organizational turnarounds, earning recognition for his leadership and vision.
Jarvis’s remarkable achievements have garnered widespread acclaim, with accolades including the Paralympic Order, named a Member of the Order of Canada, induction into the Paralympic Hall of Fame, and various prestigious awards such as the King Clancy Memorial Award and Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medals.
Through his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, Patrick Jarvis has transformed the world of adaptive sports, leaving an indelible legacy of inclusion and excellence.