Members of the Canadian Boccia Team are in Wigan, England this week-end to participate in the Cheshire Building Society International Boccia Open, the final tune-up prior the 2011 CPISRA World Cup in Belfast, Ireland, which will be held August 18-27.
Canada is sending one team and one pair to this competition. Head coach Mario Delisle is expecting stiff competition during the two day event. “This event will be a good opportunity for us to evaluate where we are in our preparation because the calibre of play is always good. Over the past three years the Cheshire tournament has become an important event for our national team because the best European countries are there to compete.”
Adam Dukovich and Tammy McLeod of London, ON, Francois Bourbonniere, of Montreal, QC, Brock Richardson, of Brampton, ON and Keven Smith-Worthylake, of Ottawa, will face Portugal and Scotland on Saturday in the BC1/BC2 team category. “The preparation of our team has been going very well since the team selection was finalized. The new athletes have integrated into the team rapidly and this group seems to be on the road to success”, said Delisle.
Marco Dispaltro, of St-Jerome, QC, Josh Vander Vies, of Sarnia, ON and Caroline Vietnieks of Delta, BC, will be competing in the BC4 pairs category. They will play against Portugal and Wales on Saturday. “We have been working hard, pushing ourselves and each other to new heights on the boccia courts in Canada”, said Vander Vies. “Our games are strong, focused and smart, and we can't wait to test some of the world's top teams in Wigan. Every country's minds will be on the World Cup at the end of August, and Canada is eager to get off to a great international start". All the finals will be played on Sunday.
