Today I cry. I cry not only for the loss of a great man, but of a dear friend.
The pain is deep, but it comes accompanied by the lightness of immense gratitude for a good part of a lifetime of shared vision and dedication to a common love – boccia and the great family surrounding this magnificent sport.
Therefore, I want to pay this tribute to my dear friend, “brother in arms”, co-founder and first President of BISFed (now World Boccia), Mr David Hadfield (pictured above).
David was a man of extraordinary strength, vision and humanity.
When we sat down together for the first time in Lisbon, during the 2010 World Boccia Championship, to discuss the possibility of creating an international boccia federation, we knew that the task ahead of us would be cyclical, and that uncertainty was the only certainty we had.
For some unusual reason, we both felt an energy and capacity in each other that gave us the courage to begin and compelled a journey built on two unshakeable pillars: an absolute passion for this sport and a total and blind trust in each other’s character.
We shared honesty, firmness, consistency, and integrity.
In November 2011 we met in Lisbon, where we established a work plan. From there to the historic moment in Johannesburg, in December 2012 – when CPISRA approved the transfer of boccia governance.
David led this process with exceptional courage. For more than a decade as President, David gave his body and soul to boccia.
He elevated our sport to new international levels, ensuring that athletes with serious motor limitations have a stage worthy of their talent and dignity.
He fought and won many battles, both in sports governance and in his personal life, always showing incredible resilience, good mood, and a generous heart.
David maintained a clear mind, an active spirit, and an unwavering love for boccia.
Our last conversations were emotional, but above all, full of laughter, happy memories, and the warmth of a bond forged over years of hard work.
The awarding of the Paralympic Order by the IPC was the pinnacle of well-deserved recognition for a life dedicated to serving others; however, for those who had the privilege of knowing him, his greatest reward was a solid foundation, the unity and joy he brought to the global boccia family.
To David’s dear family, his wife Susan in particular: thank you for sharing him with us.
The joy and spontaneity with which he graced us at every moment was contagious, valuing every second and speaking of everyone, especially the athletes, with immense pride.
David, you leave a beacon that will forever illuminate the path of all who come after you.
Thank you for your leadership, for everything you built, and above all, for your unconditional friendship.
Today I lost a piece of ground, but your legacy will live on forever.
Rest in peace, my great friend, until we meet again.
Joaquim Viegas
Former Vice President of BISFed and Honorary Vice President of World Boccia
