Boccia is a precision ball sport similar to bocce, designed for athletes with severe physical disabilities.
Boccia, played indoors on a smooth surface, involves players throwing leather balls as close as possible to a white target ball, or jack. The game can be played individually, in pairs, or in teams, and it emphasizes strategy, skill, and accuracy. Boccia is an inclusive sport that provides competitive opportunities for athletes with a range of abilities.
Boccia, one of the oldest sports, has origins in ancient Greece and Egypt. Players in Greece threw stones at a target, while similar forms were found in Egypt dating back to 5200 BC. The sport was popular in marketplaces and streets during the Middle Ages, and its name derives from the Italian word for bowl. A notable game was played by Sir Francis Drake in 1588 before battling the Spanish Armada.
Initially designed for people with cerebral palsy, boccia now includes players with various neurological impairments affecting motor function. It debuted in the Paralympics in 1984 in New York, with 19 athletes from five countries. Today, boccia is played in over 50 countries, all members of the Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed).
In the Rio Paralympic Games, 108 athletes will compete in seven medal events. The sport's competitive landscape has evolved, with Brazil, Canada, South Korea, and Great Britain among the top contenders. Boccia is a strategic game requiring skill and determination and is one of two Paralympic sports without an Olympic counterpart.
The Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed) is the global governing body for Boccia, overseeing and promoting the sport internationally. Founded in 2013, BISFed aims to standardize rules, organize competitions, and foster the development of Boccia at all levels. With a commitment to inclusivity and excellence, BISFed plays a pivotal role in advancing Boccia as a Paralympic sport, providing a platform for athletes worldwide to compete and excel.
Players throw with hand or foot and can receive assistance outside the playing area.
Players throw with hand only and do not receive assistance.
Players have severe locomotor dysfunction, use assistive devices like ramps, and can have an assistant facing away from the court.
Players have severe locomotor dysfunction, can throw independently, and do not receive assistance.