Ottawa, ON (March 26, 2024) – Boccia Canada’s Team BC1/2 hopes of advancing to the playoffs at the 2024 Coimbra (Paris) Paralympic Qualifier were dashed following a valiant effort that unfortunately fell short. Despite a strong start with a close victory against Slovakia, the team faced setbacks in subsequent matches, ultimately finishing last in Pool A.

BC1 athlete Lance Cryderman (Val Caron, ON) reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “After a strong win against Slovakia, our follow-up game with Croatia slipped through our fingers. I truly believe that had we come out on top in that match (loss in extra end), it would have given us positive momentum moving forward.”

The team’s first game saw them triumph over Slovakia by a score of 4 to 3, but the Slovaks, along with Argentina, secured their spots in the playoff round after the round robin in Pool A. Canada’s three subsequent losses to Croatia, Malaysia, and then Argentina proved insurmountable in their quest for playoff contention. The Team needed a medal in Coimbra to qualify for the Paralympic Games.

In response to the outcome, Ed Richardson (Brampton, ON) Coach of the BC1/2 Team, expressed a mix of disappointment and determination, stating, “my immediate reaction was disappointment because the athletes have trained hard for this event and I could see that from the frustration on their faces. However, I still feel we have made a lot of progress over the past two and a half years that this group has been playing together. Up next is the Montreal World Cup where we continue to build towards the future.”

Individually, Cryderman sits in 10th spot in the World Boccia BC1 category rankings, while teammates Danik Allard (Bois-des-Filion, QC) and Kristyn Collins (St. John’s, NL) occupy the 12th positions in their respective BC2 men’s and women’s divisions. There is the possibility, based on their world ranking, that each may qualify in Individual play for the Paris Paralympics, however that won’t be determined until June.

Webcast can be found here. Results and schedule are available here.

Visit www.bocciacanada.ca to learn more about the National Team, relevant news, and events.

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.

Media Contact:

Holly Janna
Email: hjanna@bocciacanada.ca
Phone Number: (514) 944-5193