WHAT IS...
Boccia (pronounced ‘bot-cha’) has been an ever-present fixture at the Paralympics since 1984, and is only one of two sports – alongside goalball – to not have a counterpart in the Olympic programme. Similar in style to bowls, petanque or curling, a jack is thrown and players have to throw their balls as close as possible to it. Originally created for athletes with cerebral palsy, the players, who are seated, have six balls to throw during each end, with the game lasting six ends. Players are divided into four classifications – BC1, BC2, BC3 and BC4 – dependent on their impairment and functional ability.
