Colwyn Leisure Centre will see the Conwy Castles Boccia Club launch North Wales’ only boccia session specifically for physically impaired players on Monday June 10th 2013.
Boccia is a strategic target sport, similar to bowls that was originally designed for disabled players. The sport requires skill, accuracy, mental toughness and an ability to think clearly and execute tough shots when under pressure. Players battle to position their boccia balls nearest to ‘the jack’ on an indoor court using technical skill and match winning tactics.
Mark Richards, Conwy’s Disability Sport Development Officer, is excited to see the sport develop in Conwy and added "A lot of people spoke about ‘legacy’ from London 2012 and this Class Boccia session is another example of Conwy using the success and inspiration of the Paralympics to benefit local people. To be truly inclusive we have to provide a range of opportunities for different impairment groups and this session is for wheelchair users with severe impairments, whether they want to play for fun or want to pursue a place in a future Paralympics GB Squad."
Sessions will be led by former Paralympian, Nigel Baguley, who competed in Barcelona 1992. A Class 2
player, Nigel has travelled all over the world playing boccia to places such as Australia (Boccia World Cup) and Argentina (Boccia World Games) and won the England National Championships 3 times. Nigel added "After retiring from playing, I took up coaching, and progressed to be Head coach for the England / Wales National team for 3 years, and I was also on the coaching staff for GB, prior to the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney; These roles again taking me to various parts of the world for competitions. I am looking forward to seeing what potential we have in the youngsters of North Wales, and taking them onto the road to success".
Conwy Castles Boccia Club is keen to promote boccia for everybody and also have other sessions available. Club Chairman, Gary Parker, said "From a club point of view we are very much focused on fun and enjoyment, learning new skills with a commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. This new class boccia is an exciting step for us all".
Sessions will be at Colwyn Leisure Centre between 2:15pm – 4:15pm on the below dates. The club welcome manual and power chair users and have ramps available for players who cannot self propel boccia balls and would encourage anybody thinking about having a go to do so. Please contact Mark Richards for any more information on 01492 575593, 07733 013004 or mark.richards@conwy.gov.uk
Dates for 2013:
June 10th & 24th, July 8th, 22nd, August 5th & 19th, September 2nd, 16th & 30th,
October 28th, November 11th & 25th, December 9th & 23rd 2013.
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