Grassroots Games 2016: Boccia
The Paralympics is under way in Brazil, and the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) is focusing on the sports that you will see, hear or read about over the next two weeks.
With 22 different disciplines on show in Rio 2016, EFDS takes a look at grassroots participation back here in Britain.
Today it’s Boccia, with teenager Louis telling us about finally finding a sport he loves to play.
I’ve been playing boccia for over two years – it’s more than just throwing balls.
Ever since I started I’ve been gripped by the tactical nature, the freedom and confidence it’s given me.
I love sport, I want to be the best.
But sadly I didn’t really have that chance, or the opportunity, because of the nature of my disability. I wasn’t strong enough for wheelchair basketball, not fast enough for wheelchair racing and not agile enough for wheelchair tennis.
But that was before boccia.
Now I’ve been given a chance and I’ve made the most of it. I'm now an England athlete and I train four or five times a week. And I love it.
I play at school, I play at home and I play against anyone.
I like boccia because there is so much to it. When to attack? When to defend? What shot to play next? Lay-up? Lob? Knock-on? You also need the technical ability to pull off your desired shot.
If you’re interested in boccia then get some balls, find a court and play.
Then go on the Boccia England website, find the Club Finder, enter your postcode then all the clubs near you will be shown.
My final advice is to play with confidence.
Have fun and give boccia a chance, because as you can see from my story it’s not just throwing balls!
