Scottish Disability Sport worked in close partnership with East Lothian Council recently to deliver a pilot Boccia programme, the first of its kind delivered in Scotland. The programme, Boccia Bonanza, is aiming to target individuals with a disability and introduce them to the sport of Boccia with Scottish Disability Sport providing the tools in terms of resources and basic skills, increasing knowledge and understanding of the sport so school staff can replicate and facilitate delivery on a regular basis within the school environment.
Boccia is a Paralympic sport and is designed specifically for athletes with a disability affecting locomotor function, however can be played by anyone who has an interest. Individuals can throw, kick or use a ramp to propel the ball onto a playing area, aiming to deliver their ball closer to the jack ball than their opponent.
The Boccia Bonanza programme is aiming to introduce the sport in a fun and engaging way, looking to increase the number of individuals playing the game across the country. The programme includes a set of eight different stations in a circuit format, inviting players to deliver key skills involved in the sport through a variety of enjoyable practices. Scottish Disability Sport worked closely with four schools in East Lothian – Ross High School (Tranent), Sanderson’s Wynd Primary School (Tranent), The Cover at Dunbar Primary School and Meadowpark (Haddington).
In addition to the Boccia Bonanza, Scottish Disability Sport recently delivered a version of the UK Disability Inclusion Training (UKDIT) as part of the East Lothian Senior Pupil Coach Education programme. This training workshop welcomed senior pupils from across the local authority, looking to increase their knowledge, understanding and confidence in disability sport. The workshop also included the resources involved in the Boccia Bonanza programme, providing the senior pupils with the tools to deliver lunch time / after school clubs for young people from their own school who may be interested in playing the sport on a regular basis.
There are a number of local Boccia sessions running across the East of Scotland, with an exciting new session scheduled to start on Friday 27th October at ENGAGE Sports Centre, Napier University, Edinburgh.
If you are interested in this opportunity or would like to hear more about Boccia, please contact Scottish Disability Sport Regional Manager Neal Herbert on 0131 625 4414 or neal.herbert@scottishdisabilitysport.com