Students master Boccia ahead of organising tournament

Students from Whitworth Community High School have been learning a new sport and will be running a tournament for Year 6 and Year 7 students.

The 15 Sports Ambassadors met with wheelchair racing champion Paralympian Nathan Maguire, who introduced them to the sport of Boccia – accessible indoor bowling.

Although Maria Schofield and Summer Lambert, both 13, had bowled on a green before, they had never tried Boccia where the bowler is seated as they let go of the ball.

Summer said: “I have played on the bowling green at The Ashcroft and although it is similar, the ball in Boccia does not bounce so it is easier to roll it to where you want it to be.

“I think it is easier sitting because when you are standing to play bowls on a green, the ball bounces all over the place.”

However, Maria said: “I think it is easier bowling outdoors because you have more room to throw the ball.”

The students will now be running the Rossendale School Sports Partnership Boccia finals at The Valley Leadership Academy on 11 February.

Jacob Hilton, 12, explained: “The two team captains toss as coin to decide who throws the jack.

“They throw it towards the centre and the red team then plays first. If at any stage in the game the jack rolls out, then it is resited on the cross.”

Thomas Cliffe, 13, said: “This is a sport that is designed for people with mobility difficulties so players are seated when they bowl and, if needed, they can also use a ramp to direct the ball.”

Jacob was most looking forward to refereeing the matches and measuring the distance between the balls and the jack while Summer can’t wait to welcome other schools play the sport.

RSSP School Games Organiser Nathan Bibby said: “We were thrilled to have Paralympic and world athletics medallist Nathan Maguire deliver this training to sports ambassadors from Whitworth Community High School.

“As an ambassador for our partners, Panathlon Challenge, who provide inclusive competitions for pupils with learning difficulties and physical disabilities, Nathan brought invaluable expertise and inspiration to the session.

“His involvement not only motivated the pupils. but also helped them develop greater empathy and understanding of inclusive sports, whether for those who are able-bodied or have a disability.

“Boccia is a fantastic, fully inclusive sport that can be enjoyed by players of all abilities, and we are proud to organise tournaments for both mainstream and special schools to celebrate this inclusivity."