Awards programme speeds Boccia skills

People with physical disabilities can go from Boccia beginner to expert in around six months thanks to a new skills programme developed by the Paralympic sport.

Boccia New Zealand’s free FUNdamental skills programme is designed for anyone of any age with a physical disability and is being rolled out across the country.

Director of Boccia at Boccia New Zealand is Luke Morriss who has been working on the awards programme for the past six months. It contains a three-level checklist that participants can work their way through at their own pace and gain their bronze, silver and gold Boccia awards.

“Boccia is a Paralympic sport that tests each competitor’s degree of muscle control and accuracy and can be played almost anywhere,” Morriss says. “The awards work as a fast-track and structured programme for introducing people to the wonderful benefits of Boccia.”

Seated, athletes throw, kick or use a ramp to propel six leather balls as close as possible to a white target ball, the jack.

“It’s a highly skilled and strategic sport originally developed from bowls and bocce as a suitable sport for people with the highest level of physical impairment.

“But it has grown to be more than just a pastime. Whether people are playing for fun or at a competitive level, Boccia provides a much needed sporting and social pathway for the disabled.

“We are excited about this programme as it provides a structured pathway from grassroots through to high performance,” says Morriss. “A bronze can be achieved in quick time. By completing the full programme to gold award a participant could gain the skills necessary for international competition within around six months.

“For many individuals with high levels of physical impairment, sporting pathways can be limited. Boccia is one of very few sports that can be played and enjoyed by anyone, whether it is at a local club level or at an international level.

“The FUNdamental skills programme provides a clear and defined pathway to achievement while delivering a sense of achievement to players.”

Morriss says it’s also beneficial for family members, friends and significant others who are encouraged to get involved as mentors / coaches.

Contact Boccia New Zealand and ask for a ‘Boccia Basics Passport’ to be posted to you or visit www.boccia.org.nz for further information.