From 21 to 25 May, Mexico City hosted the first World Para Ice Hockey Development Camp ever held in Latin America, a milestone that gathered promising athletes from Mexico and Brazil alongside seasoned Paralympic medallists from Canada and the United States.
Training with Paralympic Legends
The camp provided a unique opportunity for the young participants to train under the guidance of elite players, including USA’s Ralph DeQuebec and Kevin McKee, and Canada’s Adam Dixon, James Dunn and Tyler McGregor. Under Dixon’s mentorship, the Mexican squad refined their techniques while absorbing the tactical insights of their North American counterparts.
Showcase Match and Emerging Talent
The event concluded with an exhibition game featuring mixed teams that blended participant athletes with experienced medallists, allowing the next generation to test their skills in a competitive setting. Among the Brazilian contingent, Wilson Trama joined Eliane Momesso, Yezza Santos Sousa and Denis Albert de Oliveira, while Mexico fielded twelve players selected for a pilot programme overseen by President Miguel Angel Garcia Meza of the National Paralympic Committee.
Women’s Championship Experience and Recognition
Six athletes who had competed in the inaugural Women’s World Para Ice Hockey Championships also attended the camp, bringing valuable international exposure. Notably, Kelsey DiClaudio earned a nomination for the Laureus World Sports Awards following her performance at the Dolny Kubin 2025 event, underscoring the growing visibility of women’s para‑hockey.
Organizational Support and Regional Impact
The camp was organized by COPAME, Mexico’s National Paralympic Committee, in partnership with World Para Ice Hockey. Its success illustrates a broader ambition to develop para‑ice‑hockey infrastructure across Latin America, fostering talent pipelines and strengthening regional collaboration.