By William Moncrieff, SDS Communications Officer
In the west of Scotland, one boccia club is showcasing the power of sport, and the impact it can have on participants’ mental health. West Dunbartonshire Boccia Club are using boccia as a tool to bring individuals together in a social, fun and inclusive setting which provides many benefits.
Throughout the club’s work, participants are being impacted by sport in many ways. One of the things that the boccia club prides themselves on is the fun environment that they create for all participants and coaches. Alistair, aged 27, is one of the clubs abled bodied members and has noticed the mental and emotional impact that the club has on participants. He said: “The club is an incredibly friendly environment and provides participants plenty of opportunities to take part. I enjoy how happy everyone is throughout the game.”
Jackie, aged 73, is another club member. He grew up with cerebral palsy and recently had a heart attack. Getting involved in the club and being active has had a positive impact on Jackie. He shared: “My mental health took a massive dip when I had my heart attack and by continuing with boccia it has allowed me to keep the friendships I have developed. The club is so warm and inviting and full of fun. It makes you forget the negative thoughts.”
Andrew, aged 38, has a learning disability and has found himself to have been positively impacted by boccia, always looking forward to the sessions. He said, “I am very happy playing boccia. 10 out of 10 from me.”
Andrew’s mum, Elaine, has taken a huge amount of enjoyment from watching Andrew participate in and grow through boccia. She commented: “As Andrew’s mum I can see how happy he is at boccia. It is not only playing that he enjoys but the meeting of new people. Boccia is a safe and stimulating environment. It’s fun and helps focus your mind.”
Alistair originally joined the club so that he could spend more time with Andrew, his brother. Since joining the club, Alistair has been able to experience first-hand the positive impact the club and sport can have, along with being able to see the impact it has on those closest to him. “I love taking part in boccia with my brother, I love to see how happy he is playing,” Alistair said.
Playing boccia has man benefits, including physical. This is something that Jackie has found to be important to him. “My biggest change is confidence in my fitness. Boccia helps with any level of fitness, and it makes such a difference,” he said.
To ensure that all members have plenty of opportunities to spend time together and socialise, they have a break halfway through the session. This social time is something that Andrew really enjoys, commenting: “I love having my coffee and sometimes cake. I can chat to my friends and find out what is going on in the community.”
Starting at the club as a participant and experiencing the impact it can have, Alistair has decided to become a volunteer at West Dumbartonshire Boccia Club. One of his favorite elements of volunteering is the feeling of serving the community around him. He said, “It gives me joy knowing that I am giving something back to my community.”
Perhaps the most impactful element of boccia which makes it so special is its inclusivity.
“Boccia is the most inclusive group I have come across. You can alter the play to fit any individual,” Jackie said.
To get involved in boccia, please contact SDS’s Boccia Development Officer: jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com
To keep up to date on all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
You may also like –
- #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek: YPSP on Mental Health Awareness Week –
- The Power of Sport: Jim Anderson’s Story –