Para sport update: Joe Philpott wins bronze at 2026 World Boccia Challenger

POZNAN, Poland – Joe Philpott of St. John’s N.L. won the bronze medal in the men’s BC1 category at the 2026 World Boccia Challenger which concluded Monday.

Philpott defeated Sander Leenknecht of Belgium 4-1 in the third-place match. He was 1-1 in the preliminary round then took down Panagiotis Soularis of Greece 4-3 in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinals he fell 6-1 to Alex Medley of Great Britain to set up the match for the medal against the Belgian. Medley defeated Giussepe Rollo 9-0 in the final.

Philpott brings an interesting dimension to the sport.  Philpott uses his foot to deliver the ball for his dazzling precision and decision making on his throws.

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In boccia, most players use their hands or in the case of the BC1 category aim their throw with an adjustable ramp.

Fatima Abderrahmane of Montreal was eliminated in the quarterfinals in women’s BC3 and Alexandre Lemaire of Kingsey Falls, Que., went 1-3 in the men’s BC3 prelims.

Abderrahmane and Lemaire were also fourth in the pairs BC3 event.

The boccia world championships are from August 24 to September 4 in Seoul.

Equestrian Canada names Para dressage team for world championships

Two Paralympians are among the four riders named to Canada’s Para dressage team for the integrated 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany. The competition starts today with the Para dressage events from August 19-23.

Three-time Paralympian Roberta Sheffield, now based in the UK, headlines the team riding aboard Narnando. She is joined by Jodi Schloss of Toronto, a competitor at the last two Games and riding on El Colorado.

Other members are Eleonore Elstone of Langley, B.C., and Laura Hall of Ladysmith, B.C.

For more information, visit www.aachen2026.com. You can follow Team Canada during the 2026 World Championships for free on CBC Gem and ClipMyHorse TV.

Marie-Claude Molnar to be inducted into Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame

Two-time Paralympian Marie-Claure Molnar is one of six inductees named by Cycling Canada to be inducted into the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame.

Molnar, from Longueuil, Que., is among Canada’s most accomplished Para athletes recognized for her consistency, resilience, and success across both road and track disciplines.

She was also a trailblazer in the sport and continues to be an advocate for people with a disability and women’s rights.

She earned bronze at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and has collected multiple medals at World Cups and World Championships, including double gold at the 2021 UCI Para‑cycling Road World Championships. 

She concluded her career at the 2022 Para Cycling Road World Championships held in her home province in Baie-Comeau.

‘’Representing Canada at the Paralympic Games made me proud,’’ she told CPC in 2023.  ‘’Competing wearing the maple leaf jersey made me feel supported by millions of people all across Canada. Each moment was unique.’’

The induction ceremony and dinner is set for Wednesday, September 23rd at the headquarters of long-time Cycling Canada partner, Argon 18, in Montreal.