Athlete Bios

Kristyn participates in boccia. She started playing in 2011 in a recreational program offered through Easter Seals.  

Sport has positively impacted Kristyn’s life in many ways. It provides an active lifestyle and allows her to compete at many levels. She travels nationally and internationally for competitions which has allowed her to meet many very nice people.  

The people who have had the biggest and the most positive impact on Kristyn’s sporting career are her parents and her sport psychologist. “Both my Mom and Dad do a lot to help me, and my sport psychologist plays a big part in helping me stay grounded and understand how to cope mentally with the challenges I face.” Says Kristyn. Other athletes and people in the boccia community are very positive.  

Different levels of play present different barriers and challenges. At a recreation level the barrier may be travel to and from the program and who can accompany you. At the high-performance level, the challenges are more likely to be cost, time commitment, dealing with the mental and physical demands of high-level competition. “Even though there are challenges, you can still do well if you have a great support network looking after your best interest.” Says Kristyn  

The advice Kristyn would give beginner athletes is to not be afraid to give it a try and make it a fun activity. Use the sport as an opportunity to be involved with others socially doing something that is inclusive without being judged on your ability. If you decide you want to pursue it competitively, surround yourself with supportive people and don’t expect too much too soon. It will take time. When it stops being fun know that you’ve done your best and maybe try something different.

Lois participates in boccia and para-sailing. Lois was introduced to boccia over twenty years ago by Margaret (Muggs) Tibbo at the Children’s Rehab Centre. Ten years later she started playing organized boccia at Easter Seals.  

In 2013 she went to her first tournament in Nova Scotia. Since then, she has played boccia in Quebec, Ontario, Florida, Spain and most recently in Brazil.  “I am honoured to say that I have been named to the 2022 Canadian National Training Squad.”, says Lois 

In 2007 Lois participated sailing with Easter Seals. After a number of years, she got back into sailing through Able Sail NL. “I love the feeling of freedom and independence that sailing gives me.”, says Lois. 

“Sports has given me the opportunity to travel and to be part of a larger community.”, says Lois. 

Lois says her family, Muggs, and her National Boccia Coach have had the biggest impact on her sport career. “Without their support and encouragement I would not be competing Internationally today.”, says Lois. 

One of the challenge Lois faces in her sporting career competing at a high-performance level is financial, buying equipment and travelling is expensive. “It also takes a lot of support from family and supporters to help me train and compete.”, says Lois. 

For beginner athletes and those looking to get involved Lois has the following advice, “Try several sports and find one you love. Stick with it and most of all have fun.”

Jeremy participates in several parasports including: Para Athletics, Para Nordic Skiing and Wheelchair Basketball. 

Jeremy was interested in playing sports at a young age but needed accommodations in order to play. He was connected with Margaret (Muggs) Tibbo through the Janeway rehab and was introduced to parasport.   

Jeremy always wanted to be active and compete in the sports that he liked. At first, he didn’t dream it was possible until he started competing with others and entering competitions. “I have gained so much confidence and have met some wonderful people.”, says Jeremy. 

Jeremy says his coaches, fitness trainer and parents have had the most impact on him in his sporting career. “I would never be where I am today without their support and guidance.”  

Some challenges Jeremy faces in his sporting career are: Para Athletics are often not thought about in planning of competitions. Also, mandatory mask wearing, Jeremy has a significant hearing loss so the masks make it difficult for him to read lips.   

For beginner athletes and those interested in getting involved, Jeremy has the following advice, “Dream big, advocate and always try your best. Don't ever think you can't do something because your more than capable of doing a sport that you love.”