Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland

It is with great sadness that the PCI learned of the sudden passing of Boccia panel member Steven Valentine yesterday after a short illness.  Valentine, a member of Cerebral Palsy Sport Ireland’s Senior Boccia Squad since 2005 was a tenacious competitor which propelled him, along with his partners John Cronin and Gerard O’Grady, to the podium at Major Championships.

Valentine’s achievements in his short career included a silver medal in the BC3 Pair at the 2006 Boccia World Championships in Rio de Janeiro and a silver medal in the BC3 Pair at the 2009 European Championships in Portugal.  The European Championships also marked a significant breakthrough for Valentine as he made a major advance in the BC3 Individual competition by winning his pool and exiting the competition at the quarter-final stage.  His world ranking at the end of the 2009 season was an impressive 16th in BC3 and in 7th place for Ireland in BC3 Pair.

The PCI extends its deepest sympathies and best wishes to Steven’s team mates, CPSI, and especially to his family.

May he rest in peace