Ewan and Dawson-Farrell announced as ParalympicsGB Flagbearers for Beijing 2022 Opening Ceremony

ParalympicsGB is delighted to announce three-time Paralympian Gregor Ewan and Games debutant Meggan Dawson-Farrell as the flagbearers for the British team at the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games which begin on Friday 4th March.

Ewan and Dawson-Farrell are both members of the ParalympicsGB wheelchair curling squad at Beijing 2022 and part of a team of 24 British athletes set to compete over nine days of competition in China.

Ewan, who was part of the bronze medal-winning wheelchair curling team at Sochi 2014, said: “This is my third Paralympics and because I’m usually playing the next morning, I’ve not yet been to an Opening Ceremony. So, to be able to go to my first Opening Ceremony, and then to find out I’ll be carrying the flag – I’m absolutely buzzing.” 

For Dawson-Farrell, the chance to carry the British flag at her maiden Games was particularly special.

“It’s an incredible honour, and I can’t wait,” said the 29-year-old, who competed in wheelchair racing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. “It’s just going to be an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to find out how my parents react when they hear the news – I’m not going to tell them, so it should be a good surprise.”

Chef de Mission Phil Smith said, “I know Meggan and Gregor will carry the flag with great pride and inspire our team over the next nine days of competition on the snow and ice of Beijing.

“Meggan and Ewan both epitomise the qualities we admire in every member of the ParalympicsGB team – commitment, dedication and excellence both on and off the field of play.”

British athletes are represented in five sports in Beijing – Alpine skiing, Snowboard, cross country skiing, biathlon and Wheelchair curling. The oldest member of the team is 56-year-old wheelchair curler David Melrose, while Visually Impaired Alpine skier Neil Simpson, who is guided by his brother Andrew, is the youngest on the team at 19. 

Of the squad of 24 - the biggest since Lillehammer 1994 – nine athletes are returning Paralympians, including Pyeongchang 2018 medallists Menna Fitzpatrick and Millie Knight who claimed seven medals between them on the slopes four years ago. In fact, Fitzpatrick is Great Britain’s most decorated Winter Paralympian with one gold, two silver and a bronze to her name.