Friday 03 December 2021
On the International Day of People with Disabilities, the States of Guernsey is drawing attention to activities with improved accessibility.
Boccia has been played in local schools for a number of years but was introduced as a stand-alone sport in 2020. It has grown in popularity across the island and islanders can now play this sport at both Beau Sejour and Styx Community Centre.
Dr Casey Osborough, the Disability and Para-Sport Lead for the Guernsey Sports Commission said:
"Boccia is a highly competitive, seated sport which can be played by anyone. The aim of this target sport is to get your ball closest to the jack. The advantage of this game is that it can be played anywhere with a flat surface, e.g. schools, nursing homes or even in your own home. It is hoped by next year we will have a competitive Guernsey team looking to host competitions and travel away."
It was recently announced by Guernsey Water that a new accessible classroom has been created at St. Saviour's reservoir. In addition to this, a number of changes have been made to a section of the Millennium Walk to make it more accessible, meaning more people can enjoy this tranquil and beautiful area. The entrance gate has been widened to accommodate wheelchair users, the paths have been improved and levelled where possible and additional seating has been created along the route providing resting points with wonderful views over the reservoir.
Steve Langlois, General Manager at Guernsey Water said:
"Being outside helps people develop an emotional connection with nature and we wanted more people to be able to do this at St. Saviour's reservoir. Providing access to the Millennium Walk for people who previously may not have been able to enjoy it was one of the main things we set out to achieve through the recent improvements."
