Getting involved

Monash University is lending its support and facilities to a Paralympic event, providing an opportunity for people with a disability to be involved in competitive sport.

The Mornington Boccia Club will be holding a series of tournaments and competitions at Monash University's Peninsula campus. Boccia is a skilful, exciting and strategic sport developed specifically to cater to people with varying levels of physical impairment.

Displaying similarities to the sport of lawn bowls, boccia is a non-contact target sport that is suitable for a wide range of participants, regardless of age or gender. Participants throw leather balls as close as they can to a white target ball, or jack. The balls can be propelled with hands, feet, or if the competitors disability is severe, with an assistive device such as a ramp.

Martin Doulton, Director of Monash Sport, said that Monash University is proud to have the Boccia Club choose its facilities for this program.

“All the participants in this particular Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) participation program are locals with disabilities who want to be involved in sport. Monash is delighted to have the event held at their Peninsula campus and we’ve already seen some great competition,” Mr Doulton said.

The weekly program, which began on Sunday 13 November is a fantastic opportunity for those who dream of reaching the pinnacle of the sport and competing at the Paralympics.

The boccia club also presents an opportunity for the social participant who wants nothing more than to participate in sport and socialise with their peers.

Governing body Boccia Australia (BA) works closely with the APC to provide strategic direction for the sport to ensure the sport remains both progressive and relevant.

The club will be running every Sunday until 18 December 2011 from 8.30-10am in Building U. A fee of $10 applies for participants, parents and guardians are encouraged to stay at the sessions if possible. 

RSVP your attendance to Paul van Oosten of the APC on 0416 053 898.