Source Credit: Arab News
February 12, 2025, the game of boccia is significantly empowering those with severe physical limitations. Closely connected to bowls and petanque, this precision ball sport was added to the 1984 Paralympic Games and has since become incredibly popular.
The Saudi Boccia Federation's president, Mohsen Al-Ismail, highlighted the group's dedication to developing player potential and advancing boccia across the Kingdom. "Our goal is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to this sport, which not only enhances their physical abilities but also boosts their confidence and social inclusion," Al-Ismail said.
Effects on Health and Welfare
- Playing boccia has been associated with better mental and physical health outcomes for those with impairments.
- Participants in the sport develop a sense of community as a result of the social contact and collaboration it promotes.
- The benefits of boccia on mental health and general well-being become more apparent as more people participate.
Originally created for athletes with cerebral palsy, Boccia has expanded to encompass people with a variety of disabilities that impact their motor skills. Players try to toss their leather balls as close as they can to a white target ball, called the jack, in this game, which has six leather balls per side. This fun sport not only encourages competition but also acts as a healing exercise that strengthens muscles, increases blood flow, and improves balance.
The growing number of boccia players in Saudi Arabia is representative of a larger movement in which sports are used to empower people with disabilities. Just 19 athletes from five nations participated in the sport in 1984; by 2024, that number had risen to 116 participants from 75 nations. This expansion demonstrates Boccia's widespread acceptance as an inclusive activity that meets a range of demands.
