José Rebelo José Rebelo

Jose Rebelo extended an already brilliant career in order to participate at the 2015 Parapan American Games in Toronto. Rebelo wanted to help Canada qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and experience the thrill of playing before a home crowd at a major international event.

Rebelo has been a national team stalwart for over a decade. He was a member of the national standing volleyball team from 1996 to 2002. He helped Canada to the silver medal at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games and to world titles in 2002, 2004 and 2006. He switched to the sitting game in 2007 and has been instrumental in Canada’s development as a contender at the international level.

While it took him about a year to adjust to the sitting game, Rebelo says the change has probably extended his playing career. He says the biggest adjustments from standing and sitting were his overall vision on the court, the hitting angles and being at ease with his movements on the floor.

The father of three lost his leg at 19 months when a truck ran over his leg while he was on vacation with his family. Doctors were forced to amputate the right leg, just below the knee.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games… Bronze at 2007 and 2011 Parapan American Games… World title in standing volleyball 2002, 2004, 2006… Silver medal in standing volleyball at Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games…

PERSONAL

Father of three children: Ève 4, Hugo 8 and Maelle 16… director general of the Association sportive et communautaire du Centre-Sud

NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL RESULTS

2015 Défi Sportif 1st
2011 Parapan American Games 3rd
2010 Pan Am Championships 3rd
2007 Parapan American Games 3rd
2002 World Championships 1st
Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games 2nd