2016-2017 National Boccia Training Squad Announced

Ottawa, ON (May 31, 2016) – Boccia Canada is excited to announce the players on the 2016-2017 National Boccia Training Squad that will represent Canada at international competitions throughout the year. The sixteen players on the squad were chosen based on their performance at multiple competitions and selection camps over the past year.

“Coaches of the program are excited to work with potential international podium athletes along with some new talent. Four new athletes are joining the squad in 2016-17 and they will be surrounded by a group of veteran athletes who already had chances to represent Canada at international events in the past. With 2016 being a Paralympic year we are certainly looking forward for great performances at the Games but we are also thinking of what’s next” said Mario Delisle, Head Coach.

The squad is led by veterans Hanif Mawji (Vancouver, BC), Adam Dukovich (Ottawa, ON), Paul Gauthier (Vancouver, BC) and Marco Dispaltro (Montreal, QC) who will be great supporters for rookies Mike Mercer (St.John’s, NFLD), Benoit Ostiguy (Montreal, QC), Josee Lamothe (Trois-Rivieres, QC) and Philippe Lord (St.Jerome, QC).

The team that will compete in Rio this summer at the 2016 Paralympic Games will be selected from this squad. Before hitting the court in Rio, Canada will be competing at the BISFed World Open on Povoa de Varzim, Portugal, June 13-19.

BC1 Athletes
Hanif Mawji — Vancouver, BC
Brock Richardson — Brampton, ON
Chris Halpen — Victoria, BC
Josée Lamothe — Trois-Rivières, QC

BC2 Athletes
Adam Dukovich — Ottawa, ON
Tammy McLeod — London, ON
Benoit Ostiguy — Montréal, QC
Mike Mercer — St-Johns, Newfoundland

BC3 Athletes
Paul Gauthier — Vancouver, BC
Eric Bussière — Verchères, QC
Bruno Garneau — Montréal, QC
Philippe Lord — St-Jérome, QC

BC4 Athletes
Marco Dispaltro — Montréal, QC
Alison Levine — Montréal, QC
Iulian Ciobanu — Montréal, QC
Caroline Vietnieks — Vancouver, BC