By Boccia Canada
Marco Dispaltro (Montréal, Québec) will be the only Canadian athlete represented at the upcoming Zagreb World Boccia Challenger in Croatia, beginning on April 9. His goal at the tournament is to move up in the world rankings so he can qualify for the Paralympic Games later this summer in Paris, France, through a bipartite slot.
Dispaltro is a three-time Paralympian and accomplished “Gordie Howe of wheelchair sports”, speaking to his longevity having played many different sports over his athletic career. He is a bronze medalist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games alongside his BC4 Pairs partner Josh Vander Vies. Dispaltro is within reach of the goal to qualify for his fourth consecutive Paralympic Games as he currently sits number 15 in individual world ranking for the men’s BC4 category.
“Marco has been around sport for many years. He plays younger athletes often, so he relies on his strategic style of play a lot. Well-known and respected on the international boccia circuit, he will go and represent Canada as an elite athlete in his class, with his many years of experience and dedication working in his favour,” says Ed Richardson, Boccia Canada National Team Coach.
“It’s always a privilege representing my country, but it will feel strange being the only Canadian representative without the familiar presence of my teammates,” noted Dispaltro. “At my first competition of the season, I’m looking for a fast start out of the gate and to keep this momentum going throughout the year.”
