Latest news with #Boccia
BBC News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Smith reclaims title at European Boccia Championships
Britain's David Smith has won gold at the 2025 European Boccia 36-year-old beat Portugal's Andre Ramos 5-2 in the BC1 men's final after coming through the pool stages title marks a return to form for the Swansea-based athlete, who had to settle for silver in 2023 having won individual gold in 2019 and 2021."I'm feeling really good about the European gold, it was a good tournament for me," said Smith."It's nice to be back on the winning step, having not won a final at a majors for a little while. It's felt good to get a major title under my belt again." Three-time Paralympic gold medallist Smith, who is ranked world number two, also missed out on a medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games and has since been making some changes in equipment and technique."I felt like I had a good balance in my play. I was scoring heavily, taking chances, being clinical when I got in," he added."There were a few things I could have done a bit better but overall it was positive. The new chair felt good, the seat worked and the new balls were fine. "There's still stuff to work on but it's a good starting point and it shows I'm heading in the right direction."The Great Britain squad is returning home with five medals from the Stephen McGuire and Salisbury's Sally Kidson also secured golds, while Kayleigh Brown and 17-year-old Sophie Newnham took went on to compete in the team and pairs event with Kayleigh Brown and Reshad Saraj, who has recently been added to the trio, but were beaten in the play-off by Portugal.
Observer
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Observer
126 participate in championship for persons with disabilities
SUHAR: The fourth edition of the Boccia Championship for Persons with Physical Disabilities concluded successfully at the Sohar Sports Complex, under the auspices of Shaikh Abdullah bin Salim al Hajri, Wali of Shinas. Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MoCSY), the championship ran for four days in June and brought together 126 talented participants with moderate to severe physical disabilities from various regions across Oman. Khalifa al Mazrouei, Head of the Sports Activities Department for Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry, stated, 'The competition aimed to create an inspiring and inclusive sports environment that allows individuals with physical disabilities to showcase their talents. It also provides a platform to discover promising athletes who could be selected for national teams, while promoting interaction among peers and broader community engagement.' Now recognised as a landmark event in Oman's adaptive sports calendar, the championship continues to highlight the remarkable abilities, determination and competitive spirit of people with disabilities. The event featured a range of individual, duo and team competitions across various Boccia classifications. In the BC1 individual category, Arwa al Harthy secured first place among the female participants, while Samir Said al Sulaimi topped the male category. In the BC2 classification, Iman al Maamari claimed the top spot for females, with Omar al Hinai winning among the males. The BC3 female category saw Aisha al Radaini take home the gold medal. In the BC4 events, Amal al Raisi emerged victorious among females, while Hassan al Balushi won in the male category. The BC5 classification saw strong performances, with Maysun al Buraiki winning the female title and Abdulmutalib al Ajmi securing first place among males. In the mixed BC4 duo category, the team of Hassan al Balushi and Hamda al Badi claimed the top prize. The mixed team event for BC1 and BC2 classifications was won by the trio of Samir al Sulaimi, Mohammed al Zadjali and Fathiya al Harthy. Meanwhile, in the open category, Noah al Sheedi emerged as the winner. Reflecting on the success of the event, Safaa al Shezawi, Sports Activity Specialist at the Ministry and one of the key organisers, commented, 'The championship witnessed strong competition and played a crucial role in raising awareness about Boccia as a recognised Paralympic sport. It created a dynamic and competitive atmosphere that attracted skilled participants from across the country and highlighted emerging talents.' The championship concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony that celebrated the achievements of all participants. The performances showcased not only athletic excellence but also the spirit of perseverance, determination and community. The MoCSY reaffirms its commitment to empowering people with disabilities and expanding inclusive sporting opportunities throughout the Sultanate of Oman.
Hans India
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Two from Bengaluru to represent India at the 2028 Paralympics
Bengaluru: Karnataka Para Boccia Association, in collaboration with Boccia India, hosted a Boccia Awareness Event and a live Boccia Demonstration Match at ITC Windsor on Sunday. The event aimed to promote Boccia, a Paralympic sport designed for athletes with severe physical disabilities. The main objective of the event was to introduce Karnataka's two para athletes, Annapurna Krishnamurthy and Gayathri HM, who will represent India at the 2028 Paralympics to be held in Los Angeles. Both based in Bengaluru, 42 year old Annapurna is an international Boccia Champion and Gayathri, 22, holds national and world titles in the sport. The event was inaugurated by Meenakshi Krishna Byregowda, Indian National Congress Member and Social Activist. In attendance were Shikha Dadha, State President, Karnataka State Para Boccia Association, Ashok Bedi, Chairman, Boccia Sports Federation of India, Kamala Priya, IRAS, Dr Satyanarayana Mysore, Vice President, Manipal Hospital, Jayaprakash, Actor, Ashok Ranka, Trustee, Jain Hospital. Over 60+ para athletes from across the state were a part of the event, which also featured a live Boccia match to showcase the skills required for the game. Commenting on the event, State President, Karnataka State Para Boccia Association, Shikha Dadha said, 'We are deeply committed to nurturing and promoting Boccia in Karnataka by creating grassroots support, building the right infrastructure and providing dedicated mentorships to all the players that are part of our association. Our para athletes have exceptional skills and the ability to make a mark in this game, and Annapurna and Gayathri are shining examples of that. Our aim is to build a robust Boccia ecosystem in the state to support many more such athletes over the next few years' The Indian National Congress Member and Social Activist, Meenakshi Krishna Byregowda said, 'It's a proud moment to see our very own players from Karnataka achieve excellence in this sport and represent our country on the world stage. Boccia is not just a game, it's an opportunity for us to create avenues where differently-abled individuals can showcase their talent and abilities. Boccia opens up a world of possibilities for people with severe disabilities, and it's heartwarming to see organizations like Karnataka Para Boccia Association and Boccia India work towards creating the right support system for our para athletes. This is the true reflection of a society that is inclusive and empathetic' The Chairman, Boccia Sports Federation of India, Ashok Bedi said, ' 'At Boccia India, our vision is to create opportunities and inspire future generations to take up the sport. Boccia is a powerful tool for building a more inclusive society and empowering our para athletes. India has incredible talent, and our goal is to identify players from remote corners of the country and provide them with the support they need to flourish in this sport.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Top talent shines at Pembrokeshire Boccia Tournament
SOME of Pembrokeshire's most talented young athletes took part in the annual Secondary School Boccia Tournament last month, showcasing impressive skills in the inclusive Paralympic sport. Boccia, a precision ball game similar to bowls, is designed for athletes with physical disabilities and requires competitors to aim their ball as close as possible to a target 'jack' ball. The tournament, sponsored by Valero, was held in the sports hall at Haverfordwest High VC School on Tuesday, April 29. A total of 20 teams from schools across the county took part, including Haverfordwest High, Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Milford Haven School, Ysgol Bro Preseli, Ysgol Harri Tudur, and Portfield School. Matches were overseen by volunteers from Saundersfoot Rotary's Tenderfoot Disability Sports group, Welsh international Boccia player Sian Jones, and Young Ambassadors from Haverfordwest High. After a day of closely contested matches and high-quality play, it was Ysgol Harri Tudur Team 1 who emerged victorious. Dan Bellis of Sport Pembrokeshire said: 'It was fantastic to see so many teams and pupils taking part in such an inclusive activity. A great time was had by all. 'Big thanks to Valero for sponsoring the event, and to all the volunteers and Young Ambassadors for umpiring and scoring the games. A big well done to everyone who took part and made the tournament such a success.'
The Herald Scotland
29-04-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
First ever National Exhibition Event for SDS to take place
The event will bring together people with disabilities, community organisations, Sport Governing Bodies, ParalympicsGB, Third Sector organisations and education partners from across Scotland, as well as representatives from the Scottish Government. Paralympians including Stephen McGuire will also be in attendance and there will be opportunities to take the Paris 2024 gold medallist on in his sport of Boccia. Others including Table Tennis star Martin Perry and Boccia's Kayleigh Brown. Read More The event is supported by the Motability Scheme and also offers opportunities for those in attendance to try out other sports, meet local support teams and engage in workshops on inclusion in sport. Physical inactivity continues to disproportionately affect people with a disability and the National Exhibition Event will provide an opportunity to showcase inclusive progress and community empowerment. At least eight different sports will be available to try while there will also be an all-ability health walk, a parkrun, adaptive bikes and introductory fitness classes on the day. For more event information and to register your initial interest, please visit JustGo.
