Tell us something about yourself...
My name is Martin Rybarčák, I am 31 years old from Humenné, but I have been living in Bratislava for 18 years. In my childhood I was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.

How long and intensely have you been playing boccia? What does boccia mean to you?
I played Boccia once back in 2008 when Jozef Blažek from OMD in Slovakia invited me to practice, just to try this sport. Since my childhood I have tended to sports. I liked football, tennis, hockey... In the same year I was classified to the BC4 category, in which I was active until 2015. Due to health problems, I had a sporting break until 2018. Yet I went back to the boccia courts.



However, this time as a BC3 player with my assistant Boris Bar. Martin Gabko led me during the national trainings on Mokrohájska Street. It is important to have coaches who are able to motivate athletes correctly, direct them and give them confidence to the matches. I have this luck... I train once a week in Ružinov, Bratislava, if my work allows it. Boccia allows me to live sports and feel the taste of victory over myself.

What results have you achieved so far in boccia?
I have achieved some beautiful results in the BC4 category in Slovakia. I won the Boccia Masters 2011, The Sky-blue Butterfly Tournament 2014, I won a league tournament twice. In pairs I had the opportunity to present Slovakia in Czech Republic, England but also at the European Cup in Norway. Being a representative in Boccia was a great honor for me and I believe I will succeed again as a BC3 player. I have the main support within the club in Jozef Blažek and in OMD in Slovakia.

How does your sports equipment help you win?
At the very beginning I played with Handi Life Sport balls, but they didn't suit me. As a recommendation, I bought a set of Boccas Super Soft balls that are really great. The proof of this is the winners of the Paralympics who also played with these balls. They don't bounce, they keep their direction. Recently, thanks to OMD financial support in Slovakia and the Boccian Boccia sports club, I have acquired a ramp from BASHTO SPORTS (BASHTO X-clusive). The ramp is both technically and design high level. The company’s location in Slovakia suits me mainly because of the availability of possible service. I am currently playing with Victory Sport balls, which are mixed for the BC3 category. I recommend.

Thank you, we are glad to hear you are satisfied. What is your impression of the situation in boccia in Slovakia?
Boccia in Slovakia is at excellent level. National and international tournaments are organized regularly. There are about 4 clubs in Slovakia that are actively involved in Boccia.



Do you have any curiosities, interesting things, or funny boccia experiences?
Maybe it's a curiosity that actually my first boccia coach ever was Ondrej Bašták Ďurán, the owner of BASHTO SPORTS. He taught me the basics and tactics in boccia. He was inventing various gadgets and techniques already during the training in Ružinov. I remember him making the first boccia ramps and cases for boccia balls at home in his workshop.

What would you tell your opponents and beginner boccia players?
In boccia, always be well focused, every mistake is punished. And don't forget the militancy! Because even a match that doesn't start well can still end up as a victory. Often the overall score is decided by the last throws...

What are your other activities and hobbies besides boccia?
I work as a marketing manager for ARES company, which deals with wheelchair access, passenger lifts and car modifications for disabled people. In my free time I like to watch a good movie or go for a walk in Ružinov on my electric wheelchair.

What are your sporting and life goals for the future?
I've always dreamed of going to the Paralympics once, where I try to fight for a precious metal. Of course, the Paralympics is the highest point. I will be especially pleased if I wear the Slovak national team jersey again.

Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, OMD in the Slovak Republic, Jozef Blažek and Natalia Turčinová, who encouraged and supported me to return to the game, this time as a BC3 category player.

Thank you for your time and willingness to publish your story. I wish you from the heart a joy from the game using our top sports equipment and breakthrough victories.


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