Iulian Ciobanu

Started: He began competing in boccia in 2014 in Canada. (journalmetro.com, 25 Jul 2016) Reason: He was introduced to boccia at a conference held by Muscular Dystrophy Canada in Montreal, QC, Canada. He was inspired to begin competing by Canadian boccia player Marco Dispaltro. "Being an opportunist in life, I did not hesitate and was willing to accept the challenge. When there is an opportunity to make a change, you have to take it." (bocciacanada.ca, 01 Oct 2019; journalmetro.com, 25 Jul 2016) Additional Info: FROM MOLDOVA TO CANADA He was born in the Republic of Moldova but moved to Canada in 2010. "When I came to Canada, I wanted to have a family and be in a place where we would be free and I would be free to take care of them. I wanted to be in a country where my impairment would not be a burden. In Moldova I learned to be resourceful in my work and I knew how to find information when I needed it. When you move to a new country, all you need is the information, then it's the motivation. It was just do it. And I did it." (paralympic.ca, 14 Sep 2023, 2016; journalmetro.com, 25 Jul 2016)