THE sport of Boccia has been launched in West Devon. Two taster sessions took place at The Wharf in December and, as a result the new Tavistock and District Boccia club started earlier this month.
Cornerways Care home, Down Road with the assistance of 5x30 Activator, Mhairi McCall and West Devon Borough Council have enabled the club to be formed.
Boccia is a sort of bowls but played sitting down. The aim of the game is to propel a set of coloured balls and position them closer to a white 'marker' ball - called the jack.
West Devon's sports development officer, Hannah Colston said the residents and carer's at Cornerways have been the real driving force behind the project and the game is a very social one which can be played at a range of levels.
She said: 'I was surprised at how technical the sport is. We have some very skilled players locally and it would be good to develop the club to take part in some matches.'
Boccia is a non-contact, target driven sport, which relies on skill and subtlety, rather than size, strength or speed and is equally suited to those with or without disability. An inclusive sport open to all it is suitable for wheel chair users or those with a disability.
Anyone interested please contact Christine Vanstone on 01822 618724 or alternatively, turn up at the club for the next session at the Parish Centre Rooms at Plymouth Road, Tavistock, on Monday, March 1 at 1pm. The cost is £1.50 per person.