"Boccia which is a paralympic sport has started in Ceredigion for adults and children with a disability. The club offers participants the opportunity to play boccia from recreational to competitive level.

Whether you are looking for enjoyment, social experience, participation or progression to a competitive standard, the club will be able to cater for your needs.

The aim of the game is to propel a set of coloured balls and position them closer to a white 'marker' ball than those of your opponent. This white ball is called the 'jack' Hence the game is similar in context to Bowls, Petanque or even French Boules.

The game can be played either individually (one v one using 6 balls each), in pairs (two v two using 3 balls each) or as a team activity (three v three using 2 balls each).

Boccia is a non-contact, target driven sport, which relies on skill and subtlety, rather than size, strength or speed. It is because of this that it is equally suited to those with or without disability.

Another factor in the appeal of Boccia is that players can play a competitive game within minutes - without the need for specialised knowledge, skill or equipment.

The balls have to be propelled by each competitor. This may include throwing, rolling or even kicking a ball into the playing area, there is also the option, if they are unable to throw or kick the ball, to use what is termed an 'assistive device'.

Such devices are commonly known as 'ramps' or 'chutes'. For those unable to release a ball down a chute with their hand, there is also provision for them to use a 'head pointer'. This enables very severely disabled athletes to release a ball by using a movement of their head.

If you would like to get involved the club takes place once a month on every second Saturday of the month at Aberaeron Leisure Centre from 10.30-12pm. It is suitable for children and adults, siblings are also welcome to attend.

For further information about the club please visit the website listed to the right of this page."

Article by Gemma Cutter