The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board is making sport more accessible to all students by adding boccia at its schools.
Boccia is a Paralympic sport, similar to curling or lawn bowling, that can be played by anyone, with or without a disability.
From a seated position players propel boccia balls in an attempt to land closest to a white marker ball called “the jack.”
The ALCDSB is using funding it received as the recipient of the 2023/2024 Removing Barriers for Students with Disabilities Grant to purchase boccia equipment for its schools.
Funds will also go to planning events, such as a boccia tournament, during National Accessibility Week (May 26-June 1, 2024).
“Sport and being a part of a team or a club is something that benefits all students. Not only does it provide a sense of belonging, but it is also an opportunity for personal growth, friendship and fun,” said Kristen Whalen, a parent of a St. Joseph Catholic School student and a member of the ALCDSB Accessibility Committee. “How wonderful that barriers to participation are being dismantled and opportunities for inclusion are being brought to the forefront.”
“Whalen is a huge driving force behind this, given her knowledge of boccia, the local boccia community, and passion for inclusive sport, as well as her position as a parent, teacher, and Accessibility Committee Member,” said Stephanie Lackey, Occupational Therapist with ALCDSB. “She had brought forth the idea of accessible sport as a potential focus for Accessibility Week this year and suggested introducing boccia. We are thankful for her dedication and vision for accessibility in ALCDSB.”
Boccia is taking place at multiple schools in Belleville and Kingston and will be incorporated into planning for Accessibility Week.
Next year, the vision will be to expand boccia into more schools, which includes equipment loan and trial process, intramurals and potentially student teams and competitions.
