Para athletes from across the country gathered in London, Ontario. this week for the 28th Annual Canadian Boccia Championships.
Thirty-five boccia players from five provinces – Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland – compete to become the national champion. These include Alison McKee and Tom Mahoney, who play for London on “Team Ontario”.
“I feel honored and very grateful that we can represent London, I love the sport and I’m enjoying the experience,” said McKee, who is playing in his first-ever domestic tournament.
McKee started playing boccia nearly 17 years ago when her husband Jamie introduced her to the sport. Now it’s one of their favorite bonding activities, she said.
Boccia is a Paralympic precision ball sport with strategies similar to bowls or curling. It is played by athletes with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and other related disabilities. Players compete in one of six sport classes depending on their level and type of disability.
“I find boccia very fulfilling”
Boccia has helped McKee and teammate Mahoney improve their confidence and form lasting friendships with other athletes, they said.
“I find boccia very fulfilling, and I want to say that my training is intense and I give it my all,” said Mahoney, who has played the sport for nearly 30 years.
Mahoney adds that he feels a little rusty as this is his first tournament in two years due to arthritis in his neck, which has forced him to take time off. Before boccia, the 62-year-old’s favorite sport was wheelchair hockey, he said.
“I feel very good and I can’t wait to play all the matches I can win,” he said.
This is the fourth time the tournament has been held at Forest City. London Cannonballs Boccia Club had planned to host it in 2020 but had to cancel due to the pandemic. Organizer Tammy McLeod said her team worked hard to bring him back to London.
McLeod, who has a speech impediment, shared through her interpreter that she has loved playing boccia since she was a teenager and the sport has given her many opportunities.
“It was something she could participate in, and she loves the aspect of outmaneuvering her opponent,” said performer Lynsey Monteith. “It gave her the opportunity to travel the world and play the sport she loves.”
McKee said boccia has also helped her learn to deal with the stress and pressure of performance during games.
“It takes a lot of your head because you have to think about certain shots and two or three ahead depending on the player you’re playing based on their skill set,” she said.
The duo plan to win as many games as possible and enjoy the ride by chanting their team slogan “go Ontario go!”
The championship will take place at the North London Optimist Community Center from November 17-21.
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