A Sarnia resident has been recognized for his volunteer efforts to promote and grow the sport of boccia.
Gary Vander Vies has been inducted into the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association's (CCPSA) Hall of Fame.
Inductees have demonstrated outstanding leadership, extraordinary skill and a commitment to the development and advancement of their sport locally, provincially and nationally.
The CCPSA's Sharon Martin said Gary's induction is well earned. "His integrity and his commitment to fair play at all levels of competition is well known. He is a driving force behind the sport of boccia in Canada and we have been so very fortunate to have a volunteer of his calibre leading this sport."
Gary, and his son Josh were introduced to boccia in 1996 by Pathways Health Centre for Children and Youth in Sarnia while they were members of the local club, and have been enthusiasts of the game ever since.
Gary has held various positions to support boccia, including head referee at home, and at international competitions, and as a technical delegate at provincial and national competitions. He's also played an instrumental role in the development and training of referees, and introduced a number of ideas and concepts that are widely used in boccia today.
Vander Vies is currently Chair of Boccia International Sports Federation Competition and Rules Committee. He also serves as Chair, Boccia Canada Council and is a member of the Board of Directors for the CCPSA.
Boccia is a Paralympic sport of precision and strategy similar to lawn bowling or curling, played by athletes with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy and other related disabilities. It is one of only two Paralympic sports that do not have an Olympic counterpart .