Borders Boccia hosted their third Open Boccia Competition with 50 players from as far as Perth and Glasgow along with neighbours Dumfries and Galloway travelling to the Queens Centre in Galashiels.
The competition was again part of Scottish Disability Sport’s Boccia Series, in partnership with Live Borders and Scottish Borders Disability Sports Group, and throughout all disciplines the standard of play was phenomenal with the majority of games being very close.
A total of 125 group games took place before the elimination stages, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, in the learning disability section were played. With the physical disability category totalling 30 group games and then semi-finals and final.
It was in the latter category that Hawick’s own Ryan Evans (Borders Boccia Club) thrilled the home supporters by holding off a strong challenge from Alexander Tavendale (West of Scotland) to be crowned as champion. In his semi-final Ryan won a thrilling close contest against Fiona Hagenbach, West of Scotland.
Following his win Ryan told us: “I’ve been involved in Boccia since it started in the Borders in 2012 and being involved in its development over the years has been wonderful to be part of.
“This is the first time I’ve reached the final and to win the Borders Open event is a fantastic feeling. Boccia is a great sport to get involved with.”
In the learning disability section Hayden Keir (Dumfries & Galloway) retained the title that he won last year comfortably, beating his training partner Christian in a thrilling tactical match.
Over the past few years the sport of Boccia has become increasingly popular in the Borders and has expanded dramatically. The Borders Boccia Club itself is thriving with an additional session in Kelso.
The Open provided the ideal opportunity not only to promote the sport within the region but to welcome players across the region and beyond, allowing Borders players experience a competitive environment after a long time of practicing and playing games amongst themselves.
Further to this a new development session is launching in Peebles for young individuals to get involved in the sport.
Alan Oliver, Live Borders Disability Development Officer, said: “This year’s Borders Boccia Open Competition was a magnificent success and the skill level present was magnificent to watch.
“To have the entry numbers continually this high shows it is a competitive sport and all the matches were played in fantastic spirit”
“The level of play was exceptional and it shows the dedication and commitment of the participants improving in their chosen sport”
“There was constant action throughout the day and many thanks to all competitors who waited patiently for their matches.”
For more information on Boccia in the Borders contact Alan at aoliver@liveborders.org.uk
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