Canadian Boccia Squad Shines at Parapan American Games with Four Medals
Danik Allard enjoys a silver medal moment: where hard work meets shiny rewards
Ottawa, ON (November 22, 2023) — The Canadian Boccia Team has once again demonstrated its exceptional prowess, this time at the Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, with four medals – one gold, two silver, and one bronze.
“I felt calm, confident,” noted gold medalist Alison Levine (Montréal, QC). “I kept the nerves at bay and covered the jack. It’s going to be one of those games that I play over and over. I need to stay humble, but I’ve established myself too [in the sport of boccia]. Having this win feels great.”
Alison sealed the gold with her fifth shot in the last end that took her opponent’s ball out of the mix. Her opponent would have had a hard time lobbing at that distance, so she won the gold with a score of 4-2 versus her rival in women’s BC4 individual play, Leidy Chica Chica, from Colombia.
While the squad’s success in Santiago is nothing short of spectacular, those closely connected to the team express that it was a testament to the talent and dedication the athletes have showcased over the course of the year, as well as the work that has been put in, day in, day out by staff, performance partners, family, and coaches alike.
Head Coach, César Nicolai says that “it shows the quality of programming at the highest level and the athletes’ daily commitment in all areas of training while not competing. I’m very proud of them, the performance partners, and staff that were involved at this event as well.”
Team members, both seasoned veterans and emerging talent, displayed a level of excellence that did not come as a surprise to those who have been training with them and watching them compete over the past couple of years.
Among the keen athletes, Danik Allard (Bois-des-Filions, QC), managed to win a silver medal for Canada at the competition in his class of BC2 and at his first Parapan American Games. The young 22-year-old was elated: “I loved showing everyone what I can do. I’ve been working hard on my long throws at practice. I was able to show all the skills I have in my toolbox and I’m incredibly proud of myself… Thank you so much and thanks for supporting me, Canada.”
In a notable match up, Iulian Ciobanu (Montréal, QC) faced the challenge of competing for bronze against teammate and friend, Marco Dispaltro (Montréal, QC). Reflecting on the match, he shared, “It wasn’t an easy match up because it was against my teammate, Marco, who’s also a mentor and friend. This year has been the best year of my boccia career,” expressed Ciobanu, highlighting the consistent success achieved in individual play at every international competition this year. He started off the year with a gold in individual play at the Montréal World Cup. Thereafter, he won bronze at the Santiago World Challenger and a silver at the Fortaleza World Cup in 2023.
While the achievements in Santiago are remarkable, those familiar with the Canadian Boccia Team are quick to emphasize that some have been involved with the sport for a long time. That includes Lance Cryderman (Sudbury, ON) who decided to come back to play boccia in 2017 after a 16 year hiatus from the sport.
“Yesterday’s win against Omar Hayward from Bermuda [in the semifinals],” he explains, “was one of those things where everything was just clicking, and I felt great. It was in that moment that I really felt that I belong and can seriously compete against these guys.” Cryderman deservedly takes home the silver medal, in men’s individual play BC1.
Kristyn Collins (St. John’s, NL), Cryderman, and Allard will be playing in BC1 and BC2 Team, which begins tomorrow.
Collins, also played outstanding throughout the tournament, and only lost by a heartbreaker of one point in the bronze medal match to miss the podium.
The BC3 Pair of Joëlle Guérette (Ste.-Sophie, QC) and Ryan Rondeau (Edmonton, AB) did not make it past the round robin in individual play but will play together for the first time as the competition does not end here for the duo. Tomorrow, they will play Colombia at 14:50 EST.
The number two BC4 Pair currently in the world, Ciobanu and Levine, look forward to the next stage of competition where they can compliment each other’s skills and finesse in a tapestry of shots and counters. They also play tomorrow at 13:00 EST versus Argentina.
For full schedule and results click here.
Follow along on our Boccia Canada page here for full updates.
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