Ottawa, ON (December 19, 2023) – Five new representatives, selected through a formal election process, will join the Athletes’ Council, with the objective to bring the athlete voice to the forefront within the sport of boccia in Canada.

New Athletes’ Council members elected are as follows:

• BC1: Chris Halpen
• BC2: Nathan Bragg
• BC3: Ryan Rondeau
• BC4: Iulian Ciobanu
• BC5: Marc-Antoine Goupil

“Congratulations to Chris, Nathan, Ryan, Iulian, and Marc-Antoine for their respective successes,” noted Adam Dukovich, Chair, Athletes’ Council. “We are confident that their dedication and passion within our athletic community will greatly contribute to the Athletes’ Council ongoing efforts. Furthermore, the Athletes’ Council would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the representatives leaving the Council: Lois Martin, Tammy McLeod, Éric Bussière, Marco Dispaltro, and Gio De Sero. Their valuable service and contributions to the Athletes’ Council has been instrumental in shaping the Council and advocating for the needs of our athletes.”

Added Lance Cryderman, Vice-Chair, Athletes’ Council “As we welcome the new representatives, we acknowledge the significant role that the outgoing members have played, and we are truly grateful for their time, effort, and dedication.”

“On behalf of Boccia Canada, congratulations to the newly elected members of the Athletes’ Council and thank you for the contributions from those that are leaving their role,” noted Peter Leyser, Executive Director. “It is fundamental for athletes to have meaningful representation and for athlete voices to be heard. We appreciate the commitment, ideas, and solutions, going forward as we look to grow boccia across the country.”

The five new members of the Athletes’ Council will join current members including:

• BC1: Lance Cryderman (Vice-Chair)
• BC2: Adam Dukovich (Chair)
• BC3: Josh Gautier
• BC4: Alison Levine 

Find out more information about the Athlete Council here.

About Boccia Canada
Boccia Canada is the boccia delivery arm of the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA), the National Sport Organization for the Paralympic sport of boccia. Boccia Canada is focused on providing athletes and individuals of all ages and skill with the chance to play a unique Paralympic sport. CCPSA leads, develops and grows boccia from grassroots to producing World Champions, and we collaborate with partners to increase participation of Canadians with physical disabilities in sport.

About boccia
Boccia is a Paralympic sport of precision and strategy similar to lawn bowling or curling, played by athletes with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, and related disabilities. It is one of only two Paralympic sports that do not have an Olympic counterpart. Athletes compete in one of six sport classes based on their level and type of disability: BC1, BC2, BC3, BC4, BC5, and Open. For more information on boccia, visit www.bocciacanada.ca.