Great start for Canada in men’s sitting volleyball at Parapan American Games

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Eric Dechaine of St. Lina, Alta., and Mikael Bartholdy of Calgary   closed out Canada’s 25-12, 25-21, 25-16 over Colombia on Monday with back to back blocks to open the men’s sitting volleyball tournament at the Parapan American Games for athletes with a disability.

The winner of this week’s competition earns a ticket to the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. 

Douglas Learoyd of Calgary led the Canadian attack with nine points while Jose Rebelo of St-Hubert, Que., added seven. 

"It was a good start to the tournament,’’ said Canada’s head coach Ian Halliday of Calgary. ‘’It was an opportunity for everyone to contribute and although it wasn't our cleanest match in terms of execution, we were able to find a way to win and move forward.’’

In other matches Monday, the U.S., won twice edging Brazil 15-25, 25-22, 25-19, 21-25, 15-13 and beating Mexico 25-13, 25-11, 25-17. Costa Rica defeated Mexico 20-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-23.

Canada plays twice on Tuesday with matches against the U.S., and Mexico.

Full results: http://info.parapan.guadalajara2011.org.mx/ESP/ZZ/ZZS103A_VS@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ESP.htm

Canadian team roster: