From Sudbury to Paris: Former Lo-Ellen Park student off to the Olympics

Rainbow District School Board joins with the community in congratulating basketball star Syla Swords who will compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer.

In being selected for the Senior Women’s National Basketball Team, the former Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School student made history. At 18, Syla Swords is the youngest-ever female basketball player to represent Canada at the Olympics.

Syla follows in her parents’ footsteps. Shawn Swords was a member of the men’s basketball team that competed at the Olympics in Sydney in 2000. Shelley Swords was a stand-out member of the Laurentian University Voyageurs Basketball Team.

“It’s no surprise to us that Syla Swords is regarded as one of the best women’s basketball players in the country,” said Director of Education Bruce Bourget. “Through her dedication and commitment, she has earned her place on Team Canada. We are very proud of Syla for her outstanding achievement and extend our congratulations to her and the entire Swords family.”

With accomplished basketball players as parents, Syla Swords was immersed in the sport at a young age. After graduating from R.L. Beattie Public School in Sudbury, she attended Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School where she played on the Lo-Ellen Park Prep Team.

“The calibre of players on the prep team is exceptional,” said Director Bourget. “These students compete in the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association where they hone their skills against the top players from across the province.”

Director Bourget said all eyes will be watching Syla Swords this summer as she proudly represents our country. “Syla is a home-grown athlete who has worked hard to achieve success. We wish her the very best at the Olympics. Being selected for Team Canada is a dream come true and we know she will wear the maple leaf with pride.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217