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Boccia project awarded the Inspire Mark

19 January 2010

The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Boccia is a Paralympic sport, and Go Boccia! aims to use the magic of the 2012 Games to encourage more disabled young people to play sport – and potentially see a young person from Derbyshire become part of the England Boccia Squad which will compete at the Paralympics.

Through Go Boccia! five community boccia groups will be set up, improving the provision of positive sports activities for disabled young people aged between 11 and 24 years in Derbyshire, and empowering young disabled people to become the best boccia player that they can be.

Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “Go Boccia! is encouraging young disabled people in Derbyshire to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as Derbyshire Sport we are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in disability sport.”

Go Boccia! has been set up by Derbyshire Sport using funding from the Derbyshire County Council Youth Opportunity Fund, and will see groups based at Buxton Community College, Swanwick Specialist Sports College, Brookfield Community School and West Park Leisure Centre, and in the Derbyshire Dales at a venue to be confirmed.

Funding will also be used to host an Under 15 and Under 25 county tournament, where two teams will be selected to compete at the annual regional boccia tournament, and to provide boccia training for young leaders and coaches.

Catherine Slater, Derbyshire Sport Disability Sport Development Officer, said: “This project will give young people an opportunity to not only become physically active but to develop their confidence, boccia skills, social skills and a personal level of independence.

“It really reflects all of the Olympic and Paralympic values, and so it is fantastic to be recognised and granted the Inspire Mark and be part of the legacy that London 2012 will bring.”

The Inspire programme is run by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. For more details go to www.london2012.com/beinspired (opens in a new window).

Image - Inspired by London 2010 logo - ® London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Ltd.