Ball named for Parapan AM Games

Rick Ball for Parapan AM Games

(Orillia, ON) – Rick Ball can now set his competitive sights on Mexico this fall following a big announcement by Athletics Canada.

The would-be London 2012 Paralympian was one of 26 athletes honoured to represent Canada on the international stage at the 2011 Parapanamerican Games in Guadalajara, Mexico this November.

Ball achieved the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) A Standard running the T44 400-metres in 57.73-seconds earlier this season. In its newsletter to athletes, Athletics Canada called that “a great achievement for the single leg amputee who spent the winter converting from distance running to sprint events.

“This is just so amazing…I’m speechless,” says the 45-year-old Marchmont resident. “I’ve worked so hard and been so focussed on changing everything about my training…it’s a wonderful reward and a great relief.”

Competition at the Parapanamerican Games begins on Monday, November 14th and will wrap up on Friday, November 18th at the Telmex Athletics Stadium.

Earlier this week, Ball was also notified he will be getting a grant from CANFund  a not-for-profit organization devoted solely to raising funds and awareness of Canadian athletes to help defray the costs associated with training for and participating in major competitions. Ball was among 120 athletes selected from over 600 applicants to receive that grant.