Paralympic World Cup gives Rowe 2012 platform

By Paul Eddison, Sportsbeat, in Manchester

BOCCIA player Joshua Rowe believes the BT Paralympic World Cup gives him the ideal platform to kickstart his London 2012 attack.

THINKING BIG: Young Scot Joshua Rowe is looking to lay down a marker at the BT Paralympic World Cup as preperations for London 2012 begin

The 18-year-old Scot is part of Great Britain's in Manchester making their Paralympic World Cup debut with an exhibition match against Ireland on May 26.

But while this occasion marks boccia's growth as a sport, it also signals Rowe's growing stature in international circles, having only come into the GB squad in November.

And with London 2012 looming on the horizon, Rowe is hoping this is just the start of what promises to be big year-and-a-half for him.

"I am really looking forward to being a part of boccia's debut at the Paralympic World Cup and I can't wait to get going in Manchester now," he said.

"It's really important to raise the profile of boccia in this country because so many people don't know what it is.

"So it's really exciting that there will be such a big audience and that there will be some boccia shown on the Channel 4 highlights show which is great.

"London 2012 will be extremely beneficial in terms of raising the profile of boccia and already a lot more people are aware of what boccia is.

"And hopefully I will be a part of that massive event if I can build on the Paralympic World Cup and keep working hard."

After Rowe has left his mark in Manchester he will turn his attentions to October and the British Championships.

At last year's event Rowe announced himself with a bronze medal and he is looking to once again visit the podium as he looks to continue his climb up the international ladder.

"London 2012 is a huge motivation for me, it's what keeps me training as I aspire to be selected," he added.

"The biggest competition of the year for me is the World Cup, if I'm selected, followed by the British Championships.   

"My preparations for this event have been going well, and I'm always looking to improve every aspect of my game and I want to show that with another strong performance at the British Championships."

The BT Paralympic World Cup is taking place in Manchester from 23-28 May with elite international athletes competing in Swimming, Athletics and Wheelchair Basketball. Go to www.btparalympicworldcup.com for more information

© Sportsbeat 2011