Andrrejcik hopeful of European Continental Cup success

Slovakian hopes his team can improve on their efforts at last year’s World Championships. 31 Mar 2015
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Boccia balls are seen as Great Britain take on Greece in Boccia during the National Paralympic Day at the Olympic Park on September 7, 2013 in London, Engla

Boccia balls are seen as Great Britain take on Greece in Boccia during the National Paralympic Day at the Olympic Park on September 7, 2013 in London, England

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By Caroline Davis | For the IPC

“My goal for 2015 is to make it to Rio 2016 with the BC4 Pairs.”

Ahead of this week’s boccia European Continental Cup (1-4 April) in Sant Cugat, Spain, Samuel Andrrejcik, the world’s No. 2 BC4 player, is hopeful that the Slovakian national team will enjoy much success.

At last September’s World Championships in Beijing, China, the Slovakian team finished in fourth just outside the medals with Thailand, Brazil and Great Britain taking gold, silver and bronze respectively.

In Sant Cugat only Great Britain are ranked above the Slovakians in the team event and Andrrejcik is optimistic about his team’s chances.

“We have prepared for Spain, and I hope for success,” he said. “Everybody is very good, and in every match I will have respect for my opponent.”

Having come sixth in the individual event at the World Championships, Andrejcik realises that there are still some aspects of his game that he can improve upon.

“As for my tactic?” he asked “It’s a secret.”

Looking back, Andrejcik’s proudest moment to date was winning gold at the 2013 European Championships and already has his sights firmly set on the future.

“My goal for 2015 is to make it to Rio 2016 with the BC4 Pairs.

“When I started, I had support from my parents and friends,” recalled Andrrejcik who admits he gets his inspiration from a fellow boccia player hailing from Brazil.

“I am inspired by Dirceu Jose Pinto; two individual gold medals, and the other two in pairs. It is amazing, and my dream.”

The European Continental Cup will be held in Sant Cugat, Spain, from 1-4 April and will feature athletes from 23 countries.