Good afternoon,

In our continued efforts to ensure the boccia community remains informed on the activities of Boccia Canada and stays connected, we’ve included some brief updates below. If at any time you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our staff team.

Most important, during these unprecedented times in our history, we sincerely hope everyone is doing well and keeping safe.

Events

• As you are no doubt aware, Défi sportif Altergo and Boccia Canada made the decision to cancel the National boccia competition scheduled at the end of April. The decision was centered on protecting and ensuring the health and safety of the participants given the current pandemic crisis. Discussions are underway to potentially provide a virtual event, with more details to come.
• At this point, planning continues for the 30^th edition of Boccia Blast, scheduled for September 24-26^th and hosted by the London Cannonballs.
• Planning also continues for the 27^th Canadian Boccia Championships, scheduled for November 15-21^st in Québec City.
• Internationally, BISFed cancelled the Laval World Open scheduled for April. Plans for the American Regional Championship (location TBA) to be held in late fall of 2021 are still progressing.
• The Tokyo Paralympics are still scheduled for August 24^th to September 5^th and training continues at INS Québec for the four Tokyo bound boccia players.

Programming and Gender Equity

• In partnership with the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association, we are pleased to offer the Bratz@Home kit, which includes boccia equipment and an activity guide. The kits are free, with the expectation that recipients will put them to use and will connect with their provincial or local boccia provider where possible. Quantities are limited – limit of one kit per person. For more information, please visit https://bocciacanada.ca/
• Our staff team is progressing on updating our coach training materials under the National Coaching Certification Program. Our one day Community Initiation NCCP course is now available for online delivery. We are piloting online delivery for our two-day Introduction to Competition NCCP course in February. In addition we are reviewing and updating our referee training materials and will be delivering in person referee training in Newfoundland before the end of the year.
• Following the release of our Back to Boccia Guidelines, the Return to Play Task Force has developed draft Return to Competition Guidelines which are currently in being reviewed.
• To coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8^th and Boccia Canada’s commitment to achieve gender equity in the sport, we will be releasing a series of vignettes and videos profiling women in Boccia. Please look for these on our social media accounts for the interview excerpts from these amazing women.
• Our staff team in Ottawa continue to work from home, while the coaching team in Montréal are working both from home and at the INS Québec when there is training or physiotherapy for National Team athletes.

Governance and Safe Sport

• The Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA) Board of Directors continues to meet on a monthly basis. After an extensive search with the assistance of an external consultant, the Organization plans to announce in February the addition of two new members to the Board with backgrounds and skill sets that will contribute to the leadership of CCPSA.
• We are continuing our review of organizational policies at the Committee and CCPSA Board level, to meet good governance practices, legal and workplace requirements, and adhere to the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport. To review our current and applicable policies, please visit https://bocciacanada.ca/about/policies/
• The Participation & Development Committee, which consists of our Provincial Partners in delivering boccia, continue to meet on a monthly basis to share ideas, updates and resources.
• We have made significant progress in the area of concussions in boccia. After completing the initial concussion survey and analyzing results, a Concussion Policy and Return to Play Guidelines have been established for boccia and will be shared in the coming months.
• One year ago the CCPSA launched a series of Safe Sport initiatives aimed at ensuring everyone has the right to participate in a safe and inclusive environment that is free from abuse, harassment, bullying and/or discrimination. As per the CCPSA Screening Policy https://bocciacanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Screening-Policy.pdf, those participants identified in the policy as Level 3 or 2 have now completed the required online education course and the applicable background checks.
• A reminder, the CCPSA has appointed an Independent Safe Sport Officer who any person can contact to report or discuss incidents of abuse, harassment or discrimination of any kind [email protected] Other information on Safe Sport including the Canadian Sport Helpline can be found here: https://bocciacanada.ca/about/safe-sport/

Funding in 2021-2022

• We are grateful for the continued and confirmed funding support in 2021-2022 from our funding partners Sport Canada, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee, plus Own the Podium who provide technical leadership focussed on achieving podium performances at the Paralympic Games.

Once again, if you have any questions or concerns regarding these items or any matter, please reach out to any of our staff team.

On behalf of the entire Organization, we hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during these times. Wishing the entire boccia family and friends, the best in 2021.

Sincerely,

Peter Leyser
Executive Director, Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association