New Boccia awards programme

Boccia New Zealand Director of Boccia Luke Morriss has worked diligently over the past six months to develop an awards based FUNdamental skills programme for the sport of Boccia that is currently being rolled out across the country.

This free programme has been designed for anyone with a physical disability of all ages. It contains a 3 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. Seated, athletes throw, kick or use a ramp to propel six leather balls as close as possible to a white target ball (the jack).

Explains Mr. Morriss, “the highly skilled and strategic sport was originally developed from bowls and bocce as a suitable sport for people with the highest level of physical impairment but 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.”

Family members, friends and significant others are also encouraged to get involved as mentors / coaches.

“We are excited about this programme as it provides a pathway from grassroots through to high performance” said Morriss.

“For many individuals with high levels of physical impairment, their 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.”

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.