the other press http://otherpress.douglas.bc.ca March 26, 2003 Section Editor _ News Editor We are currently seeking an enthusiastic indi- vidual to take over the above section. The News Section Editor is responsible for proyid- _ing copy, soliciting submissions, and copy edit- _ ing their section each week. Distribution ~ The Distribution person is responsible for the pick-up and distribution.of the paper. Must have own car. ESS IS HIRING We are looking for: All applicants must be students of Douglas College. Positions begin in the summer semes- _ter with shadow training provided during the month of Match. _ For details: drop by the office in room 1020 email: submit@op.douglas.bc.ca phone: 604-525-3542 (leave a message to the Editor) or fax: 604-525-3505 Boccia breaks down barriers For more info contact Brad Barber at 604-527-5327 There were a few more people in wheelchairs around Douglas College on the weekend, and a few more people speaking French than you usually hear in BC. That’s because Douglas College hosted the Cerebral Palsy Canadian Boccia Championships March 21-23, drawing competitors from as far east as Quebec. “To see these athletes competing brings a whole new meaning to the word sport,” says Chris Johnson, Sports Institute pro- grammer. “Some athletes have to overcome tremors and muscle spasms before throwing their boccia ball. This may take two or three minutes, but when they release the ball, the look on their faces as it comes to rest at the side of the jack certainly reminds us that irrespective of handicap, disability and language barrier, the spirit of camaraderie and social interaction means just as much as a medal or trophy.” Boccia, similar to indoor lawn bowling, was adapted for play- ers with mobility impairments in Europe in the early 1980s. Athletes may kick, throw or use an assistive device to propel the leather balls as close as possible to the target. Boccia is now a Paralympic sport offered at regional, national and international meets. Approximately 70 athletes competed, with the BC team taking the gold in pairs, as well as the silver in the team competition and various bronze medals. Dorian Phillips from Manitoba won the Spirit of the Games award, which sums up the whole competition as it was the spirit of the athletes who attended — not the gold medals — that was important. page 19 ©