Beijing to Be a Family Affair for Boccia Player Paul Gauthier

Scribe Written on August 15, 2008

It has been a big summer so far for Canadian Boccia Player Paul

By Rachal Fleury

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games will be extra special for reigning Paralympic BC3 boccia champion Paul Gauthier, as he’ll have two new family members at his side – wife Sarah and foster son Derek.

“For me it makes (the Games) even more inspiring having my family near,” Gauthier said. “It is really exciting to be experiencing it with the ones I love.”

Beijing will be Gauthier’s fourth Paralympic Games.

Heading into Beijing, Gauthier is ranked second in the world in individual play. His Paralympic resume includes a gold medal in the individual and bronze medal in pairs in Athens, bronze in both individual and pairs in Sydney and a twelfth place in individual and fifth place in pairs in Atlanta. In Beijing, he is aiming for gold in both individual and pairs.

“I’m feeling really ready,” Gauthier said, who lives and trains in B.C. “Our whole team is coming together so well.”

A new family

Gauthier and his wife Sarah (who is also his sport assistant) married last month on Vancouver Island in a “beautiful and intimate” ceremony. When Gauthier speaks about their union, his excitement is almost tangible.

“We work together so well in both our personal lives and professional lives,” he said. “I’m so happy! What a year for us!”

Also bringing happiness to Gauthier’s life is his foster son Derek.

Four years ago, Gauthier, who grew up in foster care, became the foster father of 11-year-old Derek, the son of one of his foster sisters. Derek came to Gauthier completely mute as the result of an anxiety disorder – he made no eye contact and had no verbal communication skills.

Now 15, thanks to the dedication and commitment of Gauthier and Sarah, Derek is making eye contact, is able to write and is communicating verbally. Derek is thrilled to be going to Beijing and for the past several months has been studying the Paralympic Movement and constantly impressing Gauthier and Sarah with Paralympic facts.

“I’m excited that Derek is getting a chance to see the world,” said Gauthier of bringing him to Beijing. “For him to take such an interest (in the Paralympics) is really inspir

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