Boccia

Eligible Impairments: athetosis, ataxia, hypertonia, impaired muscle power, impaired passive range of motion.

Description: boccia is for athletes with significant physical impairments that impact all four limbs and the trunk. Athletes will often use an electric wheelchair for mobility. There are four Sport Classes depending on the level of impairment, with each determining how the athlete propels the ball and if they are allowed an assistant on the field of play.

Sport Class structure: 

• BC1: for athletes with significant impairment of all four limbs and the trunk. Athletes will propel the ball with the hand or the foot. Because of difficulty gripping the ball, they may be supported by an assistant to pass them the ball.
• BC2: for athletes with a lower level of impairment than BC1. They throw the ball with their hand but are not entitled to have an assistant.
• BC3: for athletes with the greatest level of impairment. They are unable to grasp and release the ball with their hand, so use a ramp to propel the ball, with the help of an assistant.
• BC4: for athletes with an impairment resulting in significant locomotor dysfunction in all four limbs, for example due to impaired muscle power. Athletes throw the ball with their hand and are not entitled to have an assistant.