Physical disABILITY Sports TAS is hosting the 1st Tasmanian Boccia Championships 14-15 November 2015 at the Moonah Sports Stadium.
As a sport, Boccia was originally predominantly played by athletes with cerebral palsy, but has now expanded to include athletes with other disabilities that affect motor skills. All athletes are required to be seated when releasing the ball, and most play from a wheelchair. Athletes can throw, kick or even use a ramp (and a ramp assistant that you get to boss around) to get the ball where you want it to go.
Boccia is widely played as an educational and recreational game, particularly in schools. At Paralympic level, Boccia is one of only two sports which do not have an Olympic counterpart with Goalball being the other.
The state titles will give athletes from around the state the opportunity to compete at higher level of competition as interstate athletes have entered the titles.
Competition
Saturday 14th November 9.00am – 4.00pm – Ranking Rounds
Saturday 14th November 4.30pm – 5.30pm – Medal Round
Sunday 15th November 9.00am – 12.00pm – PQ Healthcare Supplies Island Pairs Competition
National ranking points will be on offer. Come watch some of Tasmanians best take on the interstate athletes.
The Island Pairs is a new form of the game of Boccia. The Island pairs will played over two ends instead of the usual 6. The pairs will be a mix of different classifications. The pairs is designed to be a fast and exciting game.
PDS Tasmania – Physical disABILITY Sports Tasmania
In 2005 Wheelchair Basketball Sports Tasmania was re-formed so that people with physical disABILITY, could participate in sport & recreation which gave them a sense of satisfaction and achievement. The driving forces of the development of the Wheelchair Sports Tasmania was Bevan Williams of Hobart, his friends and business associate’s set-up the group.
2008 Wheelchair Sports Tasmania merged with ParaQuad Association of Tasmania to ensure that not only wheelchair basketball was being developed but other sports that would give people with physical disability the opportunity to particapate in sport and recreation.
The growth has been tremendous and it was time to change the name from Wheelchair Sports Tasmania to a name that reflected not only people in wheelchairs, but recognising people with other physical disabilities. To welcome them to enjoy sports that would also be of benefit to their health and well-being.
The decision was made to change Wheelchair Sports Tasmania to Physical disABILITY Sports Tasmania. This has proved to be very successful as we are now attracting many more people with physical disabilities into the Association.
People with a physical disability, including paraplegia, quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, other related spinal cord injuries, polio, acquired brain injury and other physical disabilities are be able to participate in a sport or recreational activities of their choice in Tasmania.
Sports being played, at present, include: Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, Lawn Bowls, Archery and Darts.
‘COME N TRY Days’ have been held and will be ongoing for the following sports: Sailing, Tennis, Archery , Swimming, Shooting – as people request a sport we will endeavour to have a ‘Come n Try Day’.
Kevin Faulkner Physical disABILITY Sports Tasmania
