2016 Boccia World Individual Championships a Good Learning Experience for Team Canada

Beijing, China (March 23, 2016) – The 2016 Boccia World Individual Championships came to an end for Team Canada, however there was a silver lining in the lessons learned from these Championships and the improvements needed for the upcoming 2016 Paralympics in Rio.

Even with no Canadians advancing in these World Championships, there is still an air of excitement and ease of what lies ahead. ”I will not let these disappointing few tournaments bring me down,” states Alison Levine, the BC4 athlete who lost her final match today against Pornchok Larpyen from Thailand.  “I’m still going to the Paralympics and achieving my dream. I will work hard.”

On a winning note, BC4 athlete Iulian Ciobanu finished his tournament with an exciting win against Metzou Morfi of Greece. Ciobanu was in control throughout the entire game, finishing with an 8-1 win. Head Coach Mario Delisle states that Ciobanu “played really well here and showed great potential. He is going to be very good for Canada and will certainly benefit from this experience.”

Though unfortunate results on the day for Team Canada, all the athletes worked hard and supported each other throughout the tournament. Looking ahead Delisle states, “with five months to go before the Paralympics and with 2 World Open events still ahead, we will learn from this. We will work even harder and refocus. The adversity the athletes went through here will be helpful for what’s upcoming.”