Ball ready for Para PanAm 2011
(Orillia, ON) – Amputee runner Rick Ball is ready to take on the best athletes in the western hemisphere as he leaves for the 2011 Para Pan-American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The 2011 Ontario Parasport Male Athlete of the Year has been working hard to prepare to represent Canada in the 400-metre and 200-metre running events.
“It’s hard to believe the time has finally arrived to compete at the international level,” says Ball. “I’ve put all of my efforts into making sure I’m as prepared as I can be…I’m so pumped.”
The 46-year-old Ball leaves for Guadalajara on Monday, November 7, less than one year after converting from marathon distance races to concentrate on competing at the international level.
In September 2011, Rick was named to Team Canada and a recipient of a grant from CANFund, a not-for-profit organization devoted solely to raising funds and awareness for Canadian athletes.
Ball’s events at Telmex Stadium begin on Monday, November 14 for the 400 -metres, with the 200 -metres being held later in the week.
Inspired by the determination of Canadian icon Terry Fox, Rick Ball began long distance running in 2007, under the guidance of Orillia coach Roger DePlancke. Rick has since been carded as an elite para-athlete by Athletics Canada in the T44 category.
