The YMCA Community & Activity Village in Newark hosted a special event on Thursday, 13th February, bringing together BOCCIA participants and their carers to celebrate the programme’s one-year anniversary. Over the past year, BOCCIA has become an integral part of the our activities, offering participants a welcoming space to enjoy the sport, connect with others, and build friendships.
BOCCIA is a Paralympic sport designed for individuals with physical disabilities that affect motor function. Played from a seated position, it involves throwing or rolling leather balls to land as close as possible to a target ball, known as the “jack.” The game is highly strategic and can be played individually, in pairs, or in teams. BOCCIA provides numerous benefits, including improved coordination, focus, and social interaction, making it an ideal activity for those looking to engage in accessible and inclusive sport.
Since its launch in January 2024 with just six participants, the BOCCIA programme has grown tremendously. The event was a chance to reflect on this incredible journey, with participants sharing their experiences, discussing techniques, and highlighting the positive impact regular BOCCIA sessions have had on their well-being, confidence, and social connections.
Nathaniel Soderberg, Health & Sports Manager at YMCA Newark & Sherwood, expressed his pride in the programme’s success, “It’s amazing to see how BOCCIA has brought so many people together over the past year. It’s more than just a sport; it’s a community where friendships are formed, confidence is built, and everyone feels welcome. Seeing the benefits it brings to our participants each week is so rewarding.”
Vicki Romilly, Clinical Director of IDD Services at Nottinghamshire Health Care NHS Trust, highlighted the positive impact of the programme, “Over the past year, I’ve seen how much the BOCCIA sessions have benefited participants, not just physically but also socially and emotionally. The confidence, skill development, and camaraderie among the group are truly remarkable. It’s fantastic to see a programme that fosters inclusion and supports a population health framework in such a meaningful way.”
The physical benefits of BOCCIA have been just as significant as the social ones,” said Sarah Needham, Senior Physiotherapist at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. “BOCCIA naturally incorporated physiotherapy into the game, and I saw remarkable improvements in participants’ mobility and confidence. Instead of isolated exercises in their homes—like asking them to pick up a dropped pencil, they were actively engaging, walking over to their BOCCIA balls, reaching, and moving with purpose. At the start of the 12-week course, I set goals focused on community participation. Not only did the group exceed those expectations socially, but the physical benefits were even greater than I had anticipated.”
As the BOCCIA programme continues to thrive, new participants are always welcome. Those interested in joining the sessions can email the Reception Team at the YMCA Village.