The Tokyo Paralympics opened August 23. Athletes from 160 countries came to compete. They marched in the opening ceremonies, carrying their country’s flag.

A brand-new team led the way. But this team carried the Paralympic flag. Why?

Teaming up

All six athletes are refugees. They come from Syria, Afghanistan, Burundi, and Iran. They can’t play for their home countries. It’s not even safe for them to live there!

Now, they have a team of their own. It’s the Refugee Paralympic Team.

This team has a very famous fan. His name? Alphonso Davies.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called an election. All across Canada, people are getting ready to vote.

It’s a big decision. The winner will lead the country for the next few years.

How elections work

Canada is divided into 338 ridings. Each riding elects a Member of Parliament (MP). MPs represent their riding in the House of Commons.

Most MPs belong to a political party. Each party has different ideas for how to make Canada better.

Did you watch the Tokyo Olympics? The Summer Games were a year late because of the pandemic, but it was worth the wait. Almost 12,000 athletes from 205 countries came to Japan this summer.

And they came to win.

Team Canada

Canada sent 371 athletes. Swimmers and divers. Rowers and kayakers. Sprinters and bikers, and many more.  They came to win, too. Team Canada won a record 24 medals.

It wasn’t easy. The weather was hot and humid. The stadiums were empty. And they were competing against the best athletes in the world.