In the lead up to the 2016 Paralympics we’re re-visiting the inspirational and moving stories we published about the 2012 athletes. ‘Inspirational’ is over-used and frequently a cliché for anyone with a disability but these stories are that and more – they sent shivers of pride throughout the BBS team!!
Last week we heard from Para-Dressage competitor Sophie Christiansen and how she got involved in Dressage. Aged 28, she’s an Olympic and World Champion in Para-Dressage. This time we re-visit David Smith who plays Boccia, originally designed to be played by people with cerebral palsy, it now includes athletes with other severe disabilities affecting motor skills. It’s one of only three Paralympic sports that have no counterpart in the Olympic program. David having won silver in 2012 is hoping to go one step further at Rio 2016 and, after winning multiple titles in the last four years, few would doubt him. In 2014, he added the world title in Beijing, China and in 2015 was ranked second in the world. Definitely one to watch at Rio, here’s his story:
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I started Boccia when I was six; it was a sport at the mini junior games at Stoke Mandeville and every spring we would spend 6 weeks preparing for it. At the time, I was at Cedar School (a disability special school) in Southampton. Unfortunately, Boccia wasn’t well known or well taught and I threw sideways! When I moved to Treloar School in 2000, I started being taught properly and threw forwards. Within a year, I was going to competitions and playing regularly with fellow students.
Boccia (Bot-cha) is a precision ball sport, similar to bocce, and related to bowls and pétanque. The sport is contested by athletes with more severe physical disabilities. It was originally designed to be played by people with cerebral palsy but now athletes with other severe disabilities, affecting motor skills, are included.
Boccia is good because it allows people who might not ordinarily be able to participate in sport to participate. It also allows them to compete on an equal footing with fellow competitors and strive for success. This freedom to play is great for self-esteem and confidence. In facing new challenges, the players learn to be more independent and less reliant on family and friends as is often the case with severely disabled people.
Boccia can be played by individuals, pairs, or teams of three. All events are mixed gender. The aim of the game is to throw leather balls – coloured red or blue (which side gets which is determined by a coin toss) – as close as they can to a white target ball, or jack.
The jack is thrown first, then the first two coloured balls are played, (first, the player who threw the jack then the opposing side), after which, the side furthest away from the jack goes next in an attempt to either get closer to the jack or knock the opposition’s ball out of the way. In this fashion, each end will continue until one side has played all their balls, at which point, the opposing side will play their remaining balls.
The balls can be propelled using any part of the body in any way or, if the competitor’s disability is too severe, an assistive device (called a ramp) can be used. Once all balls are played (the end is finished) the referee measures the distance of the balls closest to the jack, and awards points accordingly – one point for each ball that is closer to the jack than the opponent’s closest ball.
The team/player with the highest number of points at the end of play (after four or six ends) is the winner. If both teams have the same amount of points after all ends have been played, one additional end is played (the Jack being placed on the cross) to determine a winner.
In competition, firstly players and their equipment (balls and ramps) are checked so that they meet the international standards. Usually the competitions have a group stage followed by knockout, although variations do occur regularly. Before each match, a player will warm up and then, 30 min before start of play, they must enter the call-up room where the players meet opponents, referee and do the coin toss to decide on colour. 15 min before match the call-up room is shut preventing late players from entering. If a player misses call-up they forfeit the match 6-0.
In training, a lot of repetition over the key shots is common along with match play and scenarios. I train on average 14 hours a week but I’m one of the more committed players and hours vary.
The Paralympics in London were my second games and I have to say it was unbelievable. You never expect the public support in Boccia but I was privileged to be part of two sell out matches and the reaction before and since has been very humbling. The noise, I will never forget.
People can get involved by searching Boccia online. There are links via GB Boccia and Boccia England or on Facebook. There are many clubs around so contact local disability sports officer and they should be able to help.
Anyone can play Boccia recreationally; it is very addictive and fun for all. However, usually people who enjoy Chess or watching Snooker find a natural liking towards Boccia.
To be eligible to compete in boccia at national or international level, athletes must have a disability and be in a wheelchair. Boccia players are assigned to one of four sport classes: depending on their functional ability:
- BC1 – CP Players in this class throw the ball with the hand or foot. They may compete with an assistant who stays outside of the competitor’s playing box, to stabilize or adjust their playing chair and give the ball to the player when requested.
- BC2 – CP Players in this class throw the ball with the hand. They are not eligible for assistance.
- BC3 – Any disability players that have very severe locomotor dysfunction in all four extremities. Players in this class have no sustained grasp or release action and although they may have arm movement, they have insufficient range of movement to propel a Boccia ball onto the court. They may use an assistive device such as a ramp to deliver the ball. They may compete with an assistant; assistants must keep their back to the court and their eyes averted from play.
- BC4 – Non CP Players in this class have severe locomotor dysfunction of all four extremities as well as poor trunk control. They can demonstrate sufficient dexterity to throw the ball onto the court. Players are not eligible for assistance.
Thanks to David for a great post. It was really informative. Great advice about Boccia and how to get into it now!
Next week we re-visit the blog from para-swimmer Ollie Hynd.