2018 Boccia Tournament: Rotary Service to the Community

2018 Boccia Tournament: Service to the Community

The Boccia Tournament held at Sandwich Technology School on 19^th April, and run by the local Rotary Clubs, was a great success in terms of the enjoyment and sense of achievement for the competitors, and the cooperation between the rotary clubs in organising this event for people with disabilities from the local community.  It was also an opportunity for Rotarians to meet and catch up with one another while helping.  District Governor Carol Vizard and her husband were present and gave great support.  Our club was represented by Terry Westwater, David Gilchrist, Don Carless, Sue and John Dunkley and Mike Prebble.

Boccia first appeared in the Paralympic Games in 1984 and is one of only three Paralympic sports with no Olympic counterpart. It is basically a version of bowls which allows people with disabilities, many in wheelchairs, to take part.  At grass roots level clubs play in local halls and adapt badminton courts for playing Boccia; they have matches against local clubs and there are also county and national championships.  What is unique about the Rotary Tournament, which was first held in 2013, is that the venue is large enough to accommodate a number of teams; this year there were nine teams from different parts of East Kent.

On a personal note, I was gratified to meet an ex- student of mine who now works for Social Services and is manager of the Shepway Day Centre for Disabled Adults.  He commented on the value of the Boccia tournament for giving the opportunity for disabled people to be part of a community event.  It was also pleasing to learn that Tom, captain of the Sandwich Technology School Boccia Team for three winning years and umpire this year (see picture), will be transferring to the Simon Langton Boys School to start his A levels in September.

After the group games there was much excitement in the semi-finals and final with Herne Bay being the winners over Swalecliffe.  The day ended with photos and the presentation of certificates and medals: the photo shows the four presidents with some of the competitors and supporters.

Thanks are particularly due to John Gisby of Sandwich Rotary Club whose knowledge and enthusiasm, despite his illness, help this popular event to continue, and to David Lister for his detailed, energetic and effective organisation this year.  It was certainly enjoyable and worthwhile: a good example of Rotary service to the community.