Jessica Lewis, the wheelchair sprinter, is confident of becoming Bermuda’s first athlete to win a medal at a major international para-sports competition.

Lewis will compete in the T53 classification in the 100, 400 and 800 metres at the Parapan Am Games in Toronto, which will feature 1,608 athletes from 28 countries in 15 sports.

The 22-year-old, who attends Brock University in Ontario, became Bermuda’s first paralympian at the 2012 London Olympics, where she finished eighth in all three of her races — the 100, 200 and 400, and is among the medal favourites in her events.

She was named as one of the top-ten track and field athletes to watch in Toronto and hopes to shatter the Parapan Am 100 record of 18.18sec.

“I definitely feel a medal is within my grasp, especially in the 100 which has been going really well for me this season,” Lewis said.

“The Parapan Am record is 18.18 and I’ve been running consistently in the 17s, so I think that’s a realistic goal for me.

“It’s always great to bring awareness to Bermuda and it gives me confidence to know that the IPC recognised me in a recent article — it’s pretty awesome.

“Four years ago I just missed out on a medal in the 100 in Guadalajara [Mexico] and hopefully I can finish on that podium this time.”

Lewis, whose mother Lorri is Bermuda’s chef de mission, believes her experience of big-time para competitions will stand her in good stead in Toronto.

She has already qualified for next year’s Paralympics in Rio in the 100 and 400 A standard, as well as the 800 B standard.

“Having those awesome experiences helps in order to keep calm while competing in front of a bigger crowd,” said Lewis, who has raced in a number of IPC Athletics Grand Prix events this season.

“Four years ago, when I competed in Guadalajara, I was the only Bermudian athlete. In Toronto, there are two others.

“It’s great for Bermuda to see that para-sport is alive and it’s important to bring awareness of it.”

Also representing Bermuda will be Steve Wilson and Yushae DeSilva-Andrade, who will compete in Boccia — a precision ball game, related to bowls, played by wheelchair athletes.

All three athletes were introduced to the world of adaptive sport at Wind- Reach Bermuda in Warwick, which helps people with a wide range of disabilities.

“I’m really excited about having Steve and Yushae here with me; it’s great that Bermuda have a bigger team,” Lewis said.

“I don’t compete until Wednesday so I’m looking forward to watching the others compete.

“It’s very important to be here and compete for Bermuda. Para-sport is not as big [in Bermuda] as in other countries, but it is growing very much.

“The advertising of the Games has been absolutely amazing and I think a lot more people are aware that it’s going on.”

DeSilva-Andrade said that representing Bermuda in Toronto would be a dream come true.

“It’s amazing to be here,” she said. “I want to represent my country the best I can and make them proud. Hopefully I will make it to the Rio Olympics next year.”

At 67 years of age, Wilson, who will also be competing at his first Parapan Am, hopes Bermuda’s team will continue to grow for future para-sport competitions.

“People cannot believe I am here and they tell me I am role model,” he said. “It feels so great to be here. Three years ago, I said ‘I want to get to the Parapan Am’. Here I am, fulfilling my dream.

“We need to get more people involved. We are three now at the Parapan Am, maybe we can get many more in the future.”

The Games opening ceremony will be held tonight at the CIBC Parapan Am Athletics Stadium at York University. It will be televised on Cablevision channel 138 and WoW channel 201 at 8pm, Bermuda time.

In addition to the CBC broadcasts, the Bermuda Paralympic Association will provide live updates via their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bdaparaassoc). Boccia Bermuda will also have live updates on their twitter (@BocciaBermuda) and their website (www.bocciabermuda.com), as well as their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bocciabermuda).

The Games run until August 15.