Have you ever indulged in a bit of Boccia? I haven’t, but Boris got to grips with Boccia this week in London.
With just two years to go until the start of the London Paralympic Games, the centre of London was transformed into a giant Boccia court this week as the Mayor challenged Britain’s gold medal Boccia team to a match in Trafalgar Square.
Boccia is a tactical team sport like bowls played by athletes with a severe disability. Britain are the reigning Olympic champions and amongst the favourites for the 2012 title. David Smith, part of the UK team, said, “Boccia is an easy game to play but I have to remind people that my co-ordination is shoddy. I have constant spasms and we do not normally play in a cross wind like today. Despite all of that I am as successful in my sport as Andy Murray is in tennis and I love it.”
Bozza was given a Boccia lesson by the athletes, and eulogised over Trafalgar Square as an official big screen venue for the Paralympics. “I am adamant that as many people as possible experience the feelings of exhilaration and national pride that the Paralympic Games create. With just two years to go the message from London to visitors and Paralympic athletes is loud and clear – let the celebrations commence as the Paralympics truly come home.”