Three Boccia Athletes To Compete In Alabama
Boccia Bermuda will be represented by three athletes at the Birmingham World Boccia Challenger in Alabama, with Zeik Blakeney set to make his international debut alongside experienced competitors Yushae Desilva Andrade and Omar Hayward.
A spokesperson said, “Boccia Bermuda is pleased to announce that a team of three athletes will be representing Bermuda at the Birmingham World Boccia Challenger in Alabama over the coming days.
“Elite athletes Yushae Desilva Andrade and Omar Hayward will both compete in the highly competitive Individual BC1 classification pool, while Zeik Blakeney will make his international debut following his classification evaluation at the event.”
Chair of Boccia Bermuda, Tammalita Joseph, expressed excitement about the team’s participation and the continued growth of the sport locally.
“We are thrilled to now have three athletes competing internationally this year, as they have all worked incredibly hard. Specifically, we are pleased to have Zeik Blakeney compete in his first overseas competition and to have him formally evaluated for his classification. This will allow him to begin his World Ranking journey and realize his dream, as he has been training under Boccia Bermuda for quite a few years,” she said.
Ms Joseph added that the competition represents a significant milestone for Blakeney as he begins his journey on the international stage, saying, “The competition marks an important milestone for Zeik as he takes the next step in his boccia career and begins competing internationally. Meanwhile, both Yushae and Omar will look to build upon their experience and continue demonstrating Bermuda’s growing strength in the sport.”
She also acknowledged the support received from donors and key partners, saying, “Our Directors and athletes would like to thank all those who have donated to support Boccia Bermuda and, more specifically, the Government’s Department of Sport & Recreation for helping to support the contingent’s travel and participation at the Challenger.”
Boccia Bermuda Head Coach Larry Hunt said he is eagerly anticipating the upcoming competition, saying, “I am looking forward to the competition and believe that each of our athletes will be strong contenders for medals. Above all, I want them to enjoy the sport they love and perform to the best of their abilities.”
A spokesperson added, “The Birmingham World Boccia Challenger provides an important opportunity for athletes to gain valuable international competition experience, improve their world rankings, and showcase their talents against some of the sport’s top competitors.”
