ParalympicsGB today named the nine-strong Boccia squad set to compete at the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Games this summer, including three Scots – Stephen McGuire (BC4, Hamilton), Jamie McCowan (BC3, Dundonald) and Scott McCowan (BC3, Dundonald). Also included in the selections are the BC3 ramp assistants Linda McCowan and Gary McCowan (both of Dundonald).
Helen Nicholls, Boccia UK’s Performance Director, said: “The build up to this Paralympic Games has thrown our athletes and the support team so many challenges but they have responded with resilience and determination. In this squad, we have experienced, established athletes as well as three players who will be making their first-ever Paralympic appearance. With less than 50 days to go until the Tokyo 2020 Games, our preparations are on track and we’ll be ready to take on the world’s best boccia players.”
Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission, said: “I’m so pleased to be able to welcome our boccia squad to the ParalympicsGB team bound for Tokyo in less than 50 days’ time. The squad boasts a superb mix of experienced Paralympians and Games debutants who I believe will make the nation proud with their performances in Japan this summer.
“All nine athletes have shown terrific strength and resolve since the start of the COVID pandemic last year and I look forward to seeing just what they can achieve on the boccia court at Tokyo 2020 this summer.”
A total of around 230 athletes from 19 sports are expected to make up the British team that will compete in Japan, with further names to be announced in the coming weeks. ParalympicsGB captured the imagination of the British public at London 2012 winning 120 medals in front of sell-out crowds with countless memorable performances.
The team eclipsed that performance at Rio 2016 winning an outstanding 147 medals including 64 golds to finish second in the overall medal table. The rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will be staged from 24th August to 5th September.
Find out more about these exceptional athletes here by clicking on the profiles below: