Boccia Bermuda Launches 2026 Season
Boccia Bermuda has announced the start of its 2026 competition season, with top athlete Yushae Desilva-Andrade set to compete at the Montreal World Boccia Cup next week.
A spokesperson said, “Boccia Bermuda is proud to announce the start of its 2026 competition season, highlighted by the upcoming participation of Bermuda’s top boccia athlete, Yushae Desilva-Andrade, at the Montreal World Boccia Cup next week.
“Yushae enters the international competition in outstanding form, currently ranked 1st in the Americas region and 7th in the world in the BC1 Female classification. Her continued rise on the global stage reflects both her dedication and the strength of Bermuda’s Boccia programme.”
Sharing her thoughts ahead of the competition, Desilva-Andrade said: “I am excited for my first competition of the 2026 season. I can’t wait to see how I have improved since my last competition and what I have still to improve on. I hoping to have a great competition.”
The spokesperson said, “The Montreal World Boccia Cup will bring together elite athletes from around the world, providing a highly competitive environment as players look to secure crucial ranking points and podium finishes early in the season.”
Bermuda’s Head Boccia Coach, Larry Hunt, expressed confidence ahead of the event: “He is confident in the training that Yushae has put in and stated that it will come down to producing her best form on competition day and keeping her head in the game. The competition in Canada will be tough but I believe that she will triumph.”
The spokesperson said, “While the team is excited for the season opener, Boccia Bermuda noted the absence of athlete Omar Hayward from this competition. The organization remains optimistic about his return for the next international event scheduled to take place in Birmingham, Alabama in June.”
“It is unfortunate that Omar Hayward will not be competing with us this time around but we are hopeful that he will join us at the next competition in Birmingham, Alabama in June along with newcomer Zeik Blakeney.” the organization shared.
The spokesperson said, “As the sport continues to grow locally, Boccia Bermuda is also extending a call for support in strengthening it’s coaching team. The organization is seeking individuals with international-coaching experience who are interested in contributing to athlete development. While prior boccia experience is not required, prospective coaches must be willing to become Boccia Certified.
“Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Boccia Bermuda at bocciabda@gmail.com for more information.
“Boccia Bermuda looks forward to an exciting season ahead and invites the community to support their athletes as they represent the island on the world stage.”
