The 2016 Paralympic Games opening ceremonies go Wednesday night in Rio.

Okotoks native Zak Madell is there as one of 162 Canadian athletes competing in 19 sports.

Madell has established himself as one of the best wheelchair rugby players in the world.

After graduating from Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks, Madell moved to Toronto to train and now lives in Victoria B.C.

Madell won gold at the 2015 Parapan-American Games, and silver medals at the 2014 World Championships, 2014 Wheelchair Rugby Canada Cup International and the 2012 Paralympic Games.