/ 30 August 2021

The Paralympics: Boccia

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Each day of the Tokyo Paralympics, we’ll bring you a profile of an athlete you should know about, a sport that’s worth checking out, or achievements of the previous day. And today, it’s all about boccia.

If you know anything about the bowls/boules/petanque family, you’re already all over boccia. There’s a jack that’s thrown, followed by 6 red and blue balls by each player (or a pair/team). Whoever has their ball closest to the jack at the end scores one point. Individuals play 4 rounds (called ‘ends’), while pairs and teams play 6. Boccia is unique to the Paralympic Games, and it’s for those with any kind of neurological impairment that affects their motor function. And you know who’s good at it? Australia’s Daniel Michel, who cricket legend Steve Waugh says is “as committed as any athlete I’ve ever seen,” and Spencer Cotie. Both men have won their first-round games in the BC3 classification and are well placed to make it to the final rounds. The medal games are on Wednesday – fingers crossed they roll on in…

After Day 5 of the Paralympic Games, Australia is 8th on the medal tally with 8 gold, 15 silver and 13 bronze.

Image source: Olympics

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