Southern Trust hosts inclusive Boccia Competition

by Gráinne Connolly

Participants of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust ‘Fit 4 U’ Project recently took part in a Southern Area Boccia Competition.

People from across Armagh, Dungannon, Craigavon, Banbridge and Newry travelled to Craigavon Leisure Centre on 12th March to compete in the annual event.

Boccia is a seated target sport, similar to bowls, which is played using soft leather balls. 

16 teams participated in the event, following the league stages, 4 top teams progressed to the semi-final stages and this was followed by a third place play and the final.

At the end of the event participants were congratulated by Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon Borough Council Lord Mayor Alderman Gareth Wilson and presented with their awards.

1st Place: ‘Dungannon M55’ – Seamus McKenna, Rachel Leckey and David Menary

2nd Place: ‘Double Act’ – David Duke and Kevin McNally

3rd Place: ‘Dungannon Destroyers’ – James Wilson and Niall O’Neill

(Action Shot – David Duke from Banbridge, Rosaleen Daly from Armagh, Kevin McNally from Armagh and Noel Clarke from Armagh).

Seamus McKenna, member of the winning team, said:

“I love boccia, kurling, the exercise and the coaches.  It is good fun meeting new people.

"I loved winning the annual Boccia competition with team mates David and Rachel.  I have told all my friends and have the trophy in my house to show everyone”.

Fit 4 U targets people aged 18 plus, who have physical and/or sensory disabilities and provides a weekly day time physical activity session at local Leisure Centres across the Southern Trust area. 

This includes Banbridge Leisure Centre, Dungannon Leisure Centre, Craigavon Leisure Centre, Newry Leisure Centre and Orchard Leisure Centre.

Trust Fit 4 U Co-ordinator Rhonda Richardson explains:

“Boccia is an inclusive sport suitable for people of all abilities. It is a target sport which promotes co-ordination, concentration and opportunities for communication and teamwork. 

"Boccia is a developing sport and in addition to participating in Boccia with the Fit 4 U Project, many participants have progressed to participate in weekly sessions and clubs organised through local Councils and Disability Sport NI.”

If you would like to find out more about the Fit 4 U Project and activities available please contact Rhonda on 028 3756 4490 or email rhonda.richardson@southerntrust.hscni.net