Bocchia at the Paralympic Games

[Didache]

Hi all

This one requires a little explaining.

I spent a fabulour day yesterday at the Paralympic Games (for our US friends, yes they are running and they are wonderful )

One of the sports I watched was Boccia which is unique to disabled sport. Rather like lawn bowling or boules, the idea is that a white 'jack' ball is rolled out, and then the competitors take turns to roll coloured balls at the jack. Scoring is from the closest balls.

What is unique about it is that it is possible for even the most disabled athletes (people with the same level of disability as Stephen Hawking etc). They use ramps which are set up by a helper who is directed by the competitor. When it is set up the helper puts the ball on the ramp which is then released by the athlete, usually by means of an extension on their helmet. The helpers never look out on the field of play, presumably not to influence anything. It is all down to the athlete and they are VERY good at it!

In this image you can see both athletes competing and their helpers. One helper is setting the ball ready to be rolled.

It is a humbling thing to watch.

Cheers
Mike