Individual Post

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust Fit 4 U programme recently supported a Boccia Tournament for people with physical and/or sensory disabilities from across the Trust area. 

Boccia is a chair based version of bowling and was organised in partnership between the Southern Trust Fit 4 U Project and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council, Sport NI Everybody Active Programme, Disability Sport NI Inclusive Sports & Leisure Initiative and the Get Out, Get Active Programme. 

16 teams, which included 46 participants from across Armagh, Dungannon, Craigavon, Banbridge and Newry took part in the tournament held in Craigavon Leisure Centre.  Following close competition in the league stages and a close final, the awards were presented by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Greenfield. 

1st Place        The Head Bangers: Beverley Jory, Scott Cromie & Christine Weir

2nd Place      The Flyers: David Wylie and Emilia Krzeminska

3rd Place       Craigavon Allsorts: Georgina Glassey, Shirley Hobson & Florence Watson 

Christine Weir of the winning team said “I like boccia because it gets me out to meet people”. 

Colleen Connolly, Inclusive Sports & Leisure Officer, Disability Sports NI said:

"Boccia has been played in the Craigavon area for over 10 years, starting out recreationally in care homes and disability day centres. This was followed by a Gotcha Boccia League, delivered in partnership with Disability Sport NI, which is a monthly pan-disability competition at Craigavon Leisure Centre.” 

“Boccia has now been developed further, with weekly sessions and opportunities to access competitive pathways for those people who the sport targets at Paralympic level.  Craigavon Boccia Club was established in 2013 and competes in the NI Boccia League.  It also has representatives on the Ulster/NI Squads.” 

Rhonda Richardson, Southern Trust Fit 4 U Co-ordinator explained:

“Boccia is a sport that promotes co-ordination, mentally it requires focus and concentration and socially it is a team sport that encourages communication and competition.” 

For more information about Fit 4 U and Boccia in your local area contact Rhonda Richardson on Tel: 028 3756 4490. 

For more information about Craigavon Boccia Club, which meets Thursday evenings in Brownlow Community Hub, contact Colleen Connolly on 077 6925 0885.