Double-duty Foa leads Argentine charge at TO2015

“In terms of Argentina, we are working to start new teams in different provinces, which will also mean more competition and the level [of play] we hope will keep growing.”

Argentina’s wheelchair rugby team enters the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games as serious underdogs. But that is not stopping Argentine veteran Juan Foa from dreaming big.

Foa serves as both the President of the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) Americas Zone and veteran player on Argentina’s national squad. He is the catalyst for the sport not just in his country but the rest of South America.

So when the sport makes its Parapan debut, beginning Friday (7 August), and also streamed live on the IPC website, Foa envisions a positive impact on wheelchair rugby’s development in South America.

“We work a lot, and a lot of work is still to be done,” Foa said. “But we already have eight teams in South America playing wheelchair rugby. So we need to compete a lot to increase our level [of play].

“In terms of Argentina, we are working to start new teams in different provinces, which will also mean more competition and the level [of play] we hope will keep growing.”

“I love the adrenalin the sport has and the fact if you do not give it your all, you cannot play it successfully,” Foa said. “Like every new sport, we have to work a lot to get support from the rugby union, the national secretary of sports and other entities.”

Foa, who has a spinal cord injury and is consequently a quadriplegic, was first exposed to the sport in 2003 in Switzerland. In 2005, he helped introduce it to Argentina.

The sport made its Paralympic debut at Sydney 2000, but no South American team has gone to the Games since.

In Toronto 2015, the USA and Canada are expected to battle in the gold-medal game. Foa understands it will be challenging for Argentina to sneak in and pull an upset. He said his is aiming for bronze and hopes to build off that momentum.

“Despite them [US and Canada] being top countries, it is always nice to compete against the best in your chosen sport,” Foa said. “The tournament also gives us a chance to keep learning and try new things as a team.”

Argentina will face No. 3 world ranked USA on Saturday 8 August, followed by remaining matches with Chile, Canada, Brazil and Colombia.

They must finish in the top four to qualify for the semifinals on 13 August to play for a medal on 14 August.

“In 2010, Argentina was the first Latin American country to compete in a World Championships, so we are not fazed by competing with the best teams in the world,” Foa said.

“This one is going to be special because it is the first Parapan American Games for wheelchair rugby, and we have the chance to share the experience with other sports which will be great.”

For more information on the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, including ticket sales, please visit the event website.