Wilson & DeSilva-Andrade Compete In Toronto
The 2015 Parapan Am Games got underway in Toronto on August 7, with Bermuda represented by three athletes in two sports, as Jessica Lewis, Steve Wilson, and Yushae DeSilva-Andrade joined athletes from 28 other nations.
In summing up the competition thus far, a spokesperson said, “Yushae competed against 47th ranked Lucas De Araujo Ferreira from Brazil, losing 7-1. Yushae played some great Boccia and the final score did not reflect how close this game actually was.
“Unfortunately for Yushae the Brazilian was able score four points in one end which made it very difficult for her to come back from. Yushae was cheered on by an enthusiastic Bermuda crowd, who cheered loudest in the last end, which she won.
“Steve competed against 26th in the world Alison Levine from Canada in his first game losing 10-0. Although Steve made some great shots, Alison used her powerful drive shots to break up any balls Steve placed in front of jack and was more consistent on the day.
“In his second game, Steve played multiple Paralympic Gold medalist and current world number nine from Brazil Dirceu Pinto, losing 11-2. Steve put up a great fight, however Pinto’s experience on the world stage was evident and helped him secure the win.
“Steve finished the game strongly by winning two points in the last end, sending the Bermuda crowd into celebration.
“Steve played non-ranked player Argentinian Adolfo Diosdado in his final match, winning 3-2 in what was a very close and exciting game. Steve was able to put his ball right in front of the jack with only a few shots left to secure Bermuda’s first win of the competition.
“Yushae’s final game was against 18th world ranked Jesus Oseguera from Mexico. Both players were extremely evenly matched and used their precision to cluster balls tightly around the jack. Numerous times throughout the match the referee had to use a torch to determine whose ball was closer to the jack.
“At the end of regular time, the scores were all level at 3-3 and the game went to a tie break. Once again both players were extremely accurate placing balls tightly around the jack.
“With Oseguera only having one shot left and Yushae’s ball closer it came down to the last shot from the Mexican to decide the match, and he produced an incredible shot in which his ball bounced up on top of the jack ball to win the game.
“Overall this was a fantastic game and had the crowd glued to their seats the entire game.”
Thank you Yushae and Steve for representing us with such spirit. Jessica Lewis is up next for Bermuda!