Perez hopes Dutch boccia team can bounce back from Beijing disappointment

World number two is excited for April’s European Continental Cup in Spain. 29 Mar 2015
Imagen
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

ⒸGetty Images
By Caroline Davis | For the IPC

“I always have several tactics in mind. Therefore, in my opinion, I strongly improved upon my strong points and my weaker points as well.”

After a disappointing World Championships for the Dutch team last year, Daniel Perez is hoping his side can bounce back at boccia’s 2015 European Continental Cup in Sant Cugat, Spain, which starts on Wednesday (1 April).

In Beijing, China, last September the Dutch finished 13th in the team event whilst Thailand went on to take the world title, however Perez did enjoy individual success taking bronze in the BC1 class.

“Our level during the World Championships was below the level we expected,” said Perez who is currently ranked second in the world behind Great Britain’s world champion David Smith. “After that, we worked hard as a team to perform better on important moments.”

Perez admits the road to winning medals at the Continental Cup featuring 23 teams will not be an easy one.

“Team Portugal, Team Spain, and Team Great Britain - I think the battle will be between these three teams. We strive to be a part of this great battle,” he said.

The Dutchman has plenty of ideas in mind when it comes to winning and is eager to ensure that he puts in all that he can to try secure victory.

“I always have several tactics in mind. Therefore, in my opinion, I strongly improved upon my strong points and my weaker points as well.”

Casting his mind back to the 2011 World Championships in Ireland, Perez recalls how he has changed his game completely.

“Because this tournament did not go well, we changed my tactics out of nowhere. This resulted in the most enormous and greatest change of my career. I began throwing better and better.”

After adopting this new method of gameplay, Perez has enjoyed success after success and is excited about competing in Spain.

“It has always been a wish of mine to play a tournament near to Barcelona because my family lives over there. Another huge wish is to participate in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and to win the gold medal.”

Together with the Dutch National Team, Perez is hoping that he can do well at the beginning of April and long into the future. Facing tough competition from the likes of Great Britain’s David Smith and Roger Aandalen of Norway, he has a firm goal in mind.

“Above all, I want to win the gold medal. Before I participate in Rio 2016, I really want to end up as the World No. 1 in the BC1 division of boccia.”

The European Continental Cup will be held in Sant Cugat, Spain, from 1-4 April.