The third ActivLives Inclusive Boccia Tournament was held recently in Stowmarket. The event attracted 40 competitors, most of whom are local and play regularly with ActivLives. There were also a small number of athletes who travelled up from the south and west of England to compete. There were over 75 people attending the event during the course of the day.

The sport of Boccia is played whilst sitting down, and as a result is particularly suitable for players with a disability. The ActivLives tournament consisted of four divisions, or mini-leagues, where players competed in pairs, or in teams of three, in a round-robin format.

“We have seen some brilliant boccia played today”, said Mike McCarthy, from ActivLives. “It is a real treat to see athletes with a wide variety of abilities and experience, competing in the same tournament – for many of the players, today was their first formal competition opportunity. In addition to the athletes, the other stars at these events are our team of volunteers, without whom these events just wouldn’t be possible.”

ActivLives would like to thank everyone involved with this event including the athletes and their families and supporters, our brilliant team of volunteers, our supporting partners Special Olympics Suffolk, Special Olympics GB, the Suffolk Community Foundation, and our centre hosts, Everyone Active.

If you would like to find out more about how to get involved with boccia in the Stowmarket or Ipswich areas, please call ActivLives on 01473 345350 or email mike@activlives.org.uk