The Development of Boccia Across Wales
Summary
The National Lottery's support has been instrumental in enabling the development of Boccia in Wales. The support has allowed for the development of essential resources, coach development, competition opportunities and equipment. All of which has meant there has been a significant growth in both the quality and number of Boccia opportunities for disabled young people and adults across Wales.
Approach
Welsh Boccia has seen a remarkable surge in recent years, with the annual Welsh National Boccia Championships playing a pivotal role in its growth. Held in various locations across Wales, including Newport and Haverfordwest, these championships have provided a platform for talented athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. The 2024 Welsh Championships featured an exciting addition to the program with a showcase teams and pairs event on day two, further enhancing the competitive atmosphere and providing opportunities for athletes to collaborate and develop their skills.
The quality of competition has significantly improved, leading to increased recognition for our Welsh players and hotly contested medal matches across the BC1-4 classification groups at the Welsh Championships. In 2024, eight Welsh athletes, including rising stars like Luke Walsh, Rhys Sansom, Ioan Williams, and Lewis Crawford, qualified for the UK Boccia Championships. Alongside these emerging talents, experienced players such as Rachel Bailey, Tomas Martin, Mark Roderick, and Sian Jones continue to inspire and lead the way. The National Lottery's support has been instrumental in enabling the development of Boccia in Wales. This funding has allowed for the provision of essential resources, coaching, coach development, competitions and vital equipment.
Photo: 2024 BC1 champion Rachel Bailey (left) and runner-up Rhys Sansom (right)
Outcomes
"My name is Tomas Martin, and I've been dedicated to the sport of Boccia for two decades. Recently, I had the incredible honour of representing Boccia UK at the World Boccia Challenger in Olbia, Sardinia. To bring home a bronze medal in my debut international competition was an unforgettable moment”.
“Leaving the competition having competed among the world’s best BC2 athletes is a big step towards achieving my goals. It’s a humbling achievement that I’m immensely proud of. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable support of the National Lottery, Disability Sport Wales and Boccia UK, whose funding has been instrumental in developing athletes like myself.”
Photo: Tom Martin representing Great Britain in the athlete parade at the Olbia 2024 World Boccia Challenger
Photo: Tom's BC2 Bronze Medal
Contact
For further information please contact Tom Martin, Boccia Coordinator:
Tomas Martin
Boccia Coordinator
Please speak to me in English
Please refer to me as: He / Him / His
Please refer to me as: He / Him / His
