Boccia
The word ‘Boccia’ is derived
from the Italian word meaning to bowl, and this family of sports is probably
the earliest game ever played by mankind – carvings of Egyptian figures
throwing stones have been recorded as early as 5200 BC.
It was first introduced to the
Paralympic Games in 1984 for people with severe cerebral palsy.
Today, Boccia is a played
competitively at national and international level by athletes who require a
wheelchair because of their disability.
The Boccia International Sports
Federation (BISFed) will continue to be the International Federation
responsible for governing Boccia and for representing the sport on the global
stage.
IRAN
In Iran, Boccia was first
practiced in 2004. Two years later, in 2006, the first group of Iranian
athletes were sent to Malaysia to take part in 2006 FESPIC Games and compete
against the Asian competitors.
Currently, Boccia is played in 31
provinces across the country.
BOCCIA CLASSES (BC)
BC1
Players in this class throw the ball with the hand or
foot. They may compete with an assistant who stays outside of the competitor’s
playing box, to stabilize or adjust their playing chair and give the ball to
the player when requested.
BC2
Players in this class throw the ball with the hand.
They are not eligible for assistance.
BC3
Players in this class have very severe locomotor
dysfunction in all four extremities. Players in this class have no sustained
grasp or release action and although they may have arm movement, they have
insufficient range of movement to propel a Boccia ball onto the court. They may
use an assistive device such as a ramp to deliver the ball. They may compete
with an assistant; assistants must keep their back to the court and their eyes
averted from play.
BC4
Players in this class have severe locomotor
dysfunction of all four extremities as well as poor trunk control. They can
demonstrate sufficient dexterity to throw the ball onto the court. Players are
not eligible for assistance.
Media
Watch the introduction to Boccia on Paralympic TV.
Related Links
BISFED
World Documents Page