British Blind Sport and Boccia England team up on new resource
British Blind Sport has worked with Boccia England to develop an inclusive resource that will help to support more blind and partially sighted players to participate in boccia.
The new resource teaches coaches how to include blind and partially sighted people in boccia and provides them with the knowledge and skills they need to confidently deliver visually impaired (VI) boccia in club, school, and community settings.
The resource complements Boccia England's recent VI Boccia Development Package, funded by Sport England, which is assisting 9 organisations in delivering VI boccia. Boccia England and British Blind Sport are working together to ensure that coaches, clubs, and groups have the knowledge to create an inclusive and accessible sporting environment for people with sight loss.
Alaina MacGregor, Chief Executive Officer, British Blind Sport said:
"British Blind Sport is committed to providing sport and recreational opportunities for all blind and partially sighted adults and children across United Kingdom from grassroots to elite level. The positive effects of participation in sport for blind and partially sighted people cannot be underestimated and we are aware that skilled coaches and teachers make all the difference to helping others achieve their goals. This resource is a fantastic tool for those who are committed to making a visible difference through sport."
Chris Ratcliffe, Chief Executive Officer Boccia England said
"Boccia England are committed to our vision of ‘changing lives through boccia’. We pride ourselves in being a totally inclusive sport and whilst boccia was originally designed for individuals with severe physical disabilities, we have widened our participation initiatives to include anyone regardless of age, gender, ability or disability. We hope that this educational resource will enable more blind and partially sighted players across the country to engage socially or competitively with boccia, and give increased confidence and knowledge to the volunteers delivering our sport."
Visually impaired boccia (VI boccia) is played by individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Athletes aim to propel their balls close to the jack ball by interpreting the position of the balls on the court by reading a tactile grid, or by using other adapted playing methods.
The resource is available to download from the British Blind Sport website and Boccia England website.
For more information on adapting sport for blind and partially sighted people, please contact Alex Pitts, National Partnerships Manager on 07929 356428 or email Alex.
For more information, including full details of VI boccia, contact Natalie Braisby at email Natalie.
Contact your local boccia club or visit the British Blind Sport Activity Finder to find out more about VI boccia opportunities near you.
Photo credit: British Blind Sport
