The East Midlands Region entered a Junior Squad into the DSE National Boccia Championships for the first time.  Six players from across the region took part in a tough weekend of competition.

The squad comprised of Beth Foster (Derbyshire), Chris McCance (Northamptonshire), Clare Crawford, Charlotte Knighton (both Nottinghamshire), Joseph Smith and Michael Whaler (both Lincolnshire).  Three players reached the knockout stages of their respective classifications.  

Joseph Smith was knocked out in a semi-final play-off, Christopher McCance was runner-up in the BC8 competition and Michael Whaler was the winner in the BC4 competition.  

Michael performances were noted by an England Scout and he has been invited to compete at a CP Sport Boccia tournament with the possibility of climbing the performance ladder in the sport.  

Thanks to the efforts of all the players the East Midlands came 4th in the Junior competition which was a great performance considering the size of the squad and the fact that it was the regions first ever entry into the competition.

Boccia is likened to French boules and was orginally developed for people with more severe disabilities.  However it is now played by people with all levels of disabilities and is a Paralympic Sport.

This event was taken on by DSE in 2000. The continuing development and popularity of Boccia as a sport for people with disabilities was re-enforced again this year with over 100 players attending from all over England and Wales.  

The Championship is the culmination of qualifications at regional levels, combining both junior and senior competitors.

Visit the DES website for more info