Canadian BC3 Pair of Martineau and Lemaire Share Bronze Medal Moment at the Cali World Boccia Challenger
Ottawa, ON (October 13, 2024): Marylou Martineau (Québec City, QC) captured a silver medal at the 2024 Cali World Boccia Challenger, and a bronze alongside teammate in pairs Alexandre Lemaire (Kingsey Falls, QC), marking a significant achievement for the Canadian BC3s. Entering the competition ranked 35th in the world, Martineau’s performance at this sanctioned event will contribute valuable ranking points, further solidifying her position on the global stage. In BC3 Pairs play the duo both contributed to a valuable podium performance after several years without a Pairs medal at an international event. All matches in BC3 were played in a round robin format.
Martineau, who has been part of Québec’s Boccia Program since 2011 when she was 10 years old, has demonstrated growth and dedication to the sport and following the long-term boccia development pathway. Her silver medal in Cali not only highlights her individual game but also showcases her strengths in Pairs play as part of the Québec program alongside her partner.
“From competition to competition there are micro-learnings and a lot of perseverance in the evolution of Marylou’s game over time,” said Simon Larouche, Boccia Canada, Assistant and Espoir Coach.
Enroute to Martineau’s silver medal were dominating 5-1 and 7-1 victories over her opponents from the United States and Coloxmbia respectively. Thoughts of gold were derailed by losses to Brazil and Chile.
Finishing individual play with positive momentum from an 8-0 win over the United States and narrowly missing the podium, Lemaire showcased his grit and determination by delivering an exceptional performance in Pair play. Together, the dynamic duo and training partners bring home the bronze on the strength of a 6-4 victory over host Colombia.
With the two medals in BC3 and the Team BC1 and 2’s strong overall performances, Canada finishes the Cali World Boccia Challenger with a total of five medals. This competition marks the end of an eventful and exciting international competition season for the Canadian Boccia team after a Paralympic year.
Next, the athletes returning from Cali will take a well-deserved rest before prepping for the Canadian Boccia Championships. The 30th edition of the Championships, hosted by Boccia Canada, begins on November 13 at the RA Centre, in Ottawa. The event will include forty-three athletes from five provinces, competing for the status of Canadian Champion.
Find the full results and schedule from the Cali World Boccia Challenger here and rewatch the webcast here. Follow us on Facebook for all updates around the National Boccia Team here.
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. We lead, develop and grow 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.
Media Contact
Holly Janna
Communications Lead and National Team Coordinator, Boccia Canada
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: 613-748-1430 x3 | Cell: 514-944-5193