Canada had a good showing under the direction of National Para Team coach John MacPherson capturing 4 medals along the way. Nova Scotia’s Mike Drozdowski won bronze in class 11; Stephanie Chan from Vancouver also  captured a bronze win in her class; a third bronze went to Vancouver’s Peter Isherwood and his partner from Japan in class 2 team.

 The 4th medal went to veteran Ian Kent of Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia in class 8 singles.  Kent lost the first two games 12-10,12-10 and then won the third in a nail biter 13-11.  He finally won the fifth in the final with a score of 11-6  over Diego of Columbia. Kent is 57 on the 4th of July playing against opposition less than half his age! Coach McPherson’s first words to Ian were “Welcome back!!!” to the winners circle.

When asked about the win, Ian said: ” My life has been good the past 14 months having lost over 60 pounds thanks to a diligent regime of cycling, stretching and weights combined with on table training with my son and main training partner, Tyler Kent, but the kicker is the emotional support and nutrition changes I have made compliments to my  fiance Kelly Thompson. She really is the inspiration for pushing for gold at the up coming 2019 Para PanAmerican Games in Lima Peru which if I am to win, I have more work to do!” This state of mind along with his happiness will feed his journey to gold, says Coach MacPherson.” Ian is driven and very smart on the table. He really is back and despite his age  he is playing some of the best table tennis of his life”, says MacPherson.

 Congratulations Ian!