Canadians capture three medals in BC1/2 individual and team play at World Boccia event

(photo Boccia Canada)

CALI, Colombia – Canadians Kristyn Collins, Olivier Roy and Kyle Scott combined forces for the silver medal in the BC1-2 team event on Wednesday at the 2024 Cali World Boccia Challenge.

It was a second medal for both Collins and Roy who added bronze in their respective BC2 individual play.

In the team competition, a straight round robin tournament, the Canadians earned two wins and a loss. They opened with an 8-4 victory over Colombia, beat the U.S.  5-4 in overtime and lost to Brazil 6-5.

“It’s the first time playing with my teammates and it’s been a wonderful experience,’’ said Scott, from Hamilton.  ‘’Full of learning which has opened my mind to new strategies, possibilities, and potential. I would absolutely love to continue to have this amazing feeling and experience this feeling again.

‘’I dreamt about this opportunity and, today, it’s my reality.”

Collins earned her second career international bronze going 2-2 in women’s BC2 with wins over Deja Barber of the U.S. (4-2) and Cristina Garcia of Peru (9-1). Rebeca Duarte of El Salvador, who beat Collins 4-1, won the gold and Barber took the silver.

 “Overall I feel my skills and throws were at a good level for the competition,” said Collins from St. John’s N.L. “I have gone back to overhand for placement because I feel I have more control. I had good success with some key shots and I’ll continue to work on this to keep improving.

‘’ I’m happy to be on the podium and bringing back a medal for Canada and I’m very pleased knowing that future success is always in reach.”

The men’s BC2 included a playoff round and Roy defeated Brazil’s Eduardo Dos Santos Vasconcelos 10-0 in the third-place match after going 2-1 in the prelims. He lost his semifinal 3-2 to eventual silver medallist Javier Ignacio Bastias of Chile. Mario Sayes of El Salvador won the gold.

“I feel that I have improved a lot in the past month and this competition has allowed me to gain valuable experience,’’ said Roy, from Quebec City.

Competition continues this week featuring Alexandre Lemaire (Kingsey Falls, QC) and Marylou Martineau (Québec City) in BC3 individual and pairs.
 
Find all the results and schedule here. You can also check out the Boccia Canada Facebook page for all posts regarding the competition here.

With files from Boccia Canada