Marco Dispaltro Defeated in Quarterfinals at the 2024 Zagreb World Boccia Challenger
Dispaltro, in individual play, competing for Canada versus Great Britain in the quarterfinals
Ottawa, ON (April 12, 2024) – In a battle of skill and determination at the 2024 Zagreb World Boccia Challenger, Canadian boccia player Marco Dispaltro (Montréal, QC) faced a tough loss in the quarterfinals to Louis Saunders 4-2. This comes after two wins and finishing top of his Pool in the preliminary stage of BC4 Male class.
“At this level if you don’t execute, you don’t win. It’s as simple as that,” said Dispaltro. “In my quarterfinal game I had many opportunities, and I just didn’t execute the way I should have.”
The defeat is a setback to Dispaltro’s quest for a bipartite slot at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris taking place later this summer. Despite this quarterfinal loss, Dispaltro remains resolute. He is focused on his goal of representing Canada on the biggest stage and continues to move forward with the support of his teammates, coaches, and family.
Dispaltro’s sights are now set on the Montréal World Cup beginning April 30th, an event hosted on his home turf, at the Maurice Richard Arena. In total, nine Canadians will compete in the event, an annual stop on the international boccia competition calendar..
“I’m hoping in Montréal I will have better results because I know I can compete with anyone in the world. This could be one of the last times [my parents] see me in action at home, as they aren’t getting younger, so it’s quite emotional… My parents have always been tremendous supporters of mine. Just knowing they’ll be there will have a meaningful impact on my game.”
For more details on the Montréal World Boccia Cup, hosted by Défi sportif AlterGo, visit World Boccia. Follow our Boccia Canada Facebook page here and Twitter here for all updates on upcoming world competitions and events.
For more information about Marco Dispaltro, his memorable boccia career thus far, and accomplishments representing Canada at the three Paralympics, read his updated bio on our website 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