Competing against the best in Canada, Team Ontario’s athletes displayed exceptional precision, strategy, and determination, ultimately earning 8 medals, including 2 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze. Their success is a testament to the dedication of both the athletes and their coaches, who have worked tirelessly to prepare for this prestigious competition.
One of the standout performances came from Joshua Gautier (Niagara Falls, ON), who clinched the gold medal in the BC3 individual competition. “Team Ontario 2024 was a great team to be a part of,” said Gautier. “The group was extremely supportive of everyone, and the whole experience was very encouraging! I was glad to be part of it, and am extremely excited for the team’s future! I felt that I was very much able to mentally reset after missed shots and opportunities, and was able to focus and execute on the next shots, which in the end paid off!”
Joshua also joined Carter Plumb (Brampton, ON) in the BC3 pairs competition, winning the silver medal as a duo. “Although I was not able to achieve my desired outcome, I believe I was able to show my improvement over the last year and learn what I need to continue to work on to achieve those outcomes in future events,” said Plumb. “I was honored to compete with our national champion in the pairs competition. I feel there is a lot that can be learned by playing with Josh and reviewing his performance at these games.”
The competition also included breakout performances from new members of Team Ontario, one of which came from Liza Puri (London, ON), who claimed a hard-earned bronze medal in the BC1 individual category. Another standout was Julian Caverley (Thorold, ON), who claimed silver in the BC5 individual category. “It was a great learning experience being my first nationals,” said Caverley. “and hope there are many more to come!”
Martha Gustafson (Toronto, ON), alongside her partner Giovanni De Sero (Guelph, ON), earned a bronze medal in the BC4/5/Open pairs category. “Nationals was amazing,” said Gustafson. “The event was very well organized, had great meals, and wonderful volunteers. Thank you to all!”
Team Ontario was also supported by a number of experienced athletes returning to the national competition, contributing their expertise and leadership. , Kyle Scott (Hamilton, ON), Nico Iemma (Oshawa, ON), Jim Davis (Thorold, ON) all made valuable contributions to Team Ontario’s success, demonstrating the strength and depth of the squad. Jim ended up claiming bronze in the BC2 category, showcasing his steady approach under pressure.
In the highly competitive BC1/2 Teams event, Lance Cryderman (Sudbury, ON), Dominic Gomez (Toronto, ON), and Maggie Julien (Sudbury, ON) captured a well-deserved bronze medal. Lance, who also claimed the gold medal in the BC1 category, reflected on his experience competing at the championships: “This tournament is always special for me. It’s always a little bit of a roller coaster of a week, and this year was no different. I truly enjoyed competing alongside Dom and Maggie (in the BC1/2 Team competition), and I truly believe the future is bright for our sport. Winning a third straight national title is pretty cool too.”
Joe Radmore (Ottawa, ON) and Bryce Desrochers (Ottawa, ON) also made their mark at the Canadian Boccia Championships, competing in their hometowns, which added an extra layer of excitement to the event. Both athletes were driven by the support of their local communities, bringing an added sense of pride to their performances.
“We fielded the largest boccia team in our provincial history, and they did not disappoint!” said Amanda Fader, Executive Director of the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association. “This success is a direct result of our ongoing investment in the program, meticulous planning, and the unwavering dedication of our Program Manager and coaching staff.”
The Canadian Boccia Championships serve as a key competition for athletes aiming to qualify for future international events, and Team Ontario’s impressive results further solidify the province’s strong presence in the sport. Boccia, a precision ball sport played by athletes with physical disabilities, requires a blend of strategy, accuracy, and focus, qualities that were on full display at the event.
For more information on OCPSA programs and events, go to the calendar of events.
The Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (OCPSA) was founded in 1981 as a registered charitable organization for the delivery of sport to persons with cerebral palsy. Today, OCPSA is a leading sport organization in the province for persons with a disability, focused on sport development, participation and performance for athletes in Para-Athletics (Track and Field) and Boccia.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Juliana von Cramon, Program Manager
Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association
juliana@ocpsa.com
