Canadian boccia athletes encourage sports participation on International Day of Persons with Disabilities – Canadian Paralympic Committee

OTTAWA – Iulian Ciobanu, a three-time Paralympian in boccia, says sport can be a springboard to success for people with a disability.

“I encourage all people with a disability to practice a sport,” he said at the 30th Canadian Boccia Championships in Ottawa in November. “It’s important.”

Ciobanu, 41, is originally from Moldova where he graduated in psychology. He was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at age 12. He and his wife Corina moved to Canada after his studies.

“People with a disability, whether it’s physical or intellectual, have their role in society,” said the father of two daughters. “You can’t stereotype people and believe they are limited.

“You can be anything you want and achieve your dreams, you just need to push forward, never give up and you’ll find a way to succeed.”

In addition to his boccia career, Ciobanu also has his own YouTube channel in which he helps “those who want to succeed in boccia, whether they are playing for fun or learning more about the sport.”

The theme this year for International Day for Persons with Disabilities, taking place December 3, is: ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.’

Ciobanu and his teammate Alison Levine, both from Montreal, are leaders in the sport and the Paralympic Movement in Canada. Levine knows that as a three-time Paralympian like Ciobanu, it is important to capitalize on her pedestal.

“I’m privileged to be in the role where I can be in the media and be a model for people with disabilities,” said Levine, 34, afflicted with degenerative neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness and spasticity in all her muscles.

“There are still many barriers we face. But it’s important for us to use our voices, not only to better our lives but to better the lives of people with disabilities who come after us.”

Boccia is a sport unique to the Paralympic Games, as it has no Olympic counterpart. The sport can be compared to lawn bowls and even has some similarities to curling.

Cesar Nicolai, the head coach of the Canadian boccia team, lauds the resilience of his athletes.

“They have an ability to surpass themselves,” he said. “They lead full lives and are very organized. When they go to the restaurant or to a movie, they can’t just roll out the door. You have to plan the transportation, make a specific schedule, you have to be sure the areas you attend are accessible.”

Lance Cryderman, who has competed at two Paralympic Games 24 years apart (2000 and 2024), says Paralympic sport showcases the potential of people with a disability.

“Sport demonstrates that the disability is just one piece of the person, it doesn’t define everything about us,” said the 44-year-old from Sudbury, Ont., who has a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Laurentian University.

“I think boccia is the most inclusive sport in the whole world to show this.”