Canadian Boccia Championships - Ottawa, ON - November 2025

Boccia season 2025 has come to an end! Wow, what a year it has been. This year has seen a great deal of change. I have been named a member of the National Espoir team, trained 12 plus hours per week, consulted with a mental performance consultant and wellness coach to help me overcome nerves and overthinking, and collaborate with coaches on strategies, analyzed matches from competitions around the world, including my own, built stronger bonds with my teammates and other athletes, achieved more autonomy, and reflected deeply. As well, I made history as the first BC1 athlete in Canada to throw and kick.

As a result of my participation in eight competitions, I achieved nine medals (two in one event). One of my most recent accomplishments is my first individual medal at this year's Canadian Boccia Championships. I would like to congratulate my team O teammates Jim on winning bronze in BC2 individual, Josh on winning silver in BC3 individual, Martha on winning silver and Gio on winning bronze in BC4/5 individual. Lance, Jim and Dominic on winning silver in BC1/2 teams, Joshua and Bryce on winning gold in BC3 pairs, Jennifer on her bronze teaming up with NB athlete in BC3 pairs, and Joe (CP Joe) and Martha on winning bronze in BC4/5/open, which I had the honour of coaching.

The BC1 athletes also deserve a great deal of credit for bringing their best to the court. To my friend and mentor Lance, you know how I feel about you, but I want to thank you for your continued support. Joey (Happy Feet) congratulations on winning the gold medal and the Gills Henry Spirit Award. You certainly deserve this recognition! I am extremely proud of you, and not only is it an honour to play against you, but it is also an honour to call you a friend. We are going to play a number of matches that will be tight and exciting. The two of us will be the new Allison and Iulian, showing excellent sportsmanship and leadership.

I would like to thank everyone who cheers me on, supports me, and is part of my team. My deepest thank yous go to my parents who have been extraordinary performance partners for me, my personal coach Kim, Team Ontario coaches Tiffany, Tammy, Kate and Team Manager Jules, OCPSA director Amanda as well as Team Canada coaches César, Simon, Tiffany (same person above), high performance director Mario and the rest of the Boccia Canada and CCPSA staff for their support and guidance in helping me become the best athlete possible and person. Finally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the board of directors for inviting me to attend the meeting and giving me the opportunity to share my experience with Boccia and some of my achievements.

The future holds a lot of promise for me, and I cannot wait to see what it holds.