Boccia Canada’s Team BC1/2 hopes of advancing to the playoffs at the 2024 Coimbra Paris Paralympic Qualifier were dashed following a valiant effort that unfortunately fell short. Despite a strong start with a close victory against Slovakia, the team faced setbacks in subsequent matches, ultimately finishing last in Pool A.
BC1 athlete Lance Cryderman, Val Caron, ON., reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “After a strong win against Slovakia, our follow-up game with Croatia slipped through our fingers. I truly believe that had we come out on top in that match (loss in extra end), it would have given us positive momentum moving forward.”
The team’s first game saw them triumph over Slovakia by a score of 4 to 3, but the Slovaks, along with Argentina, secured their spots in the playoff round after the round robin in Pool A. Canada’s three subsequent losses to Croatia, Malaysia, and then Argentina proved insurmountable in their quest for playoff contention. The Team needed a medal in Coimbra to qualify for the Paralympic Games.
In response to the outcome, Ed Richardson, Brampton, ON., Coach of the BC1/2 Team, expressed a mix of disappointment and determination, stating, “my immediate reaction was disappointment because the athletes have trained hard for this event and I could see that from the frustration on their faces. However, I still feel we have made a lot of progress over the past two and a half years that this group has been playing together. Up next is the Montreal World Cup where we continue to build towards the future.”
Individually, Cryderman sits in 10th spot in the World Boccia BC1 category rankings, while teammates Danik Allard, Bois-des-Filion, QC., and Kristyn Collins, St. John’s, NL., occupy the 12th positions in their respective BC2 men’s and women’s divisions. There is the possibility, based on their world ranking, that each may qualify in Individual play for the Paris Paralympics, however that won’t be determined until June.
