Sports
Boccia
For the elite competitors playing at international level, the Boccia world follows a four-year cycle. Each year sees a major international event, year 1 being the European Championships, followed by the World Championships, and then comes the World Cup and the final year of the cycle sees the Paralympics holding centre stage.
The aim of the game is to propel a set of coloured balls and position them closer to a white ‘marker’ ball than those of your opponent. This white ball is called the ‘jack’ Hence the game is similar in context to Bowls, Petanque or even French Boules.
The game can be played either individually (one v one using 6 balls each), in pairs (two v two using 3 balls each) or as a team activity (three v three using 2 balls each).
'Why is it particularly suitable for those with a Disability''
It’s a non-contact, target driven sport, which relies on skill and subtlety, rather than size, strength or speed. It is because of this that it is equally suited to those with or without disability. Another factor in the appeal of Boccia is that players can play a competitive game within minutes – without the need for specialised knowledge, skill or equipment. The balls have to be propelled by each competitor. This may include throwing, rolling or even kicking a ball into the playing area.
For those in particular groups or classifications, to which we will refer later, there is the option, if they are unable to throw or kick the ball, to use what is termed an ‘assistive device’. Such devices are commonly known as ‘ramps’ or ‘chutes’. For those unable to release a ball down a chute with their hand, there is also provision for them to use a ‘head pointer’. This enables very severely disabled athletes to release a ball by using a movement of their head. No two players propel a ball in exactly the same way. There are various ways of delivering the ball including : Using an assistive device or chute, with an ‘ordinary’ throw, via an underarm throw, with an underarm throw with backspin, using a release from above head height, rolling the ball along the floor and using the foot to kick the ball into play. .
The game MUST be played from a seated position, which makes it ideal for either manual or motorised wheelchair users. Good quality balls are made from synthetic leather and filled with plastic granulate which makes them pliable and much easier to grip and control.
‘What equipment do you need''
Firstly, a set of 13 Boccia balls, 6 red, 6 blue and 1 white Jack ball. You also need an area in which to play, and for competitive Boccia, this area is similar in size to a badminton court, being 12.5 by 6 metres. The surface must be flat and smooth, and is usually wooden, tiled or blocked. However, it is not unknown for the game to be played on a carpeted surface! Usually, the game is played indoors but it can be played outside using a set of balls made specifically for this purpose.
One of the good things about this game is that the court size can be adapted to meet all circumstances, in that any area from a front room, church hall, canteen, gymnasium or leisure centre could be a suitable venue. Similarly, you don’t need a set of goal posts, nets and a Wembley sized grass pitch to play football. No specialised ‘kit’ is required but it is advisable to have comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
The game is growing quickly in popularity throughout Wales with a full range of competitive opportunities on offer.
CP Sport England & Wales also provides a good insight into the game of Boccia, so visit www.cpsport.org/boccia/index.shtml to find out more information.
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