The sixth Local Annual Texaco Boccia Tournament was held recently at the Meads Sport and Leisure Centre in Milford Haven. Thanks go to Texaco and the Sports Council for Wales's Sportsmatch Cymru for the total cash influx of £1,000 to run this local event and the regional event held on May 25 at the Meads.
Sportsmatch Cymru is an Assembly-funded £ for £ business incentive, aimed at encouraging commercial sponsorship into grass roots sport.
Boccia is a game based on boules that was developed originally for people with cerebral palsy, but is now played by people of all abilities and disabilities.
The local event was held over two days, to accommodate the growing numbers of adults and children who are now playing this sport regularly. Over 100 people competed over both days to win the Texaco Shield (juniors), Texaco Shield (seniors) and the Texaco Trophy (adults).
On Wednesday, the adult competition took place, when competitors came from all over the county and again pitted novices against more experienced players.
The final was between St. Davids Care in the Community (David Price, Lorraine Barnett and Stevie Kleine) and Haverfordwest Hawks (Martin Goodall, Angela and John Richards), with the latter becoming the new holders of the adult cup after a closely fought match.
Competitors in the senior final came from Ysgol Preseli (Jonathan Wilson, Garry Griffiths and Dewi Evans) and Portfield School (Emma Matthews, Darren Palermo and Kirsty Kirner), with Portfield coming out winners.
The junior final was between Ysgol Brynconin (Jacob Thomas, Rebecca Roblin, Christopher Boyes and Sioned Roblin) and Fishguard Unit (Mark James, Lee James and Ryan Baskerville).
It proved another close final, with Ysgol Brynconin eventually winning the trophy.
The schools' runners-up and winners then went on to represent Pembrokeshire in the West Wales Regional Tournament, with teams coming from Neath, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
The winners of the junior competition came from Neath and the senior winners came from Carmarthenshire.
The standard of play was very high, with many children playing for the first time. All of the participants thoroughly enjoyed both competitions
Many thanks to the referees, Martin Goodall, Angie and John Richards, Charles Hopkinson and Alan Jones, for expertly refereeing.
Disability sports development officer, Sian Bowen, is hoping to increase the opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to compete and play boccia, by encouraging schools and clubs to play against each other on a regular basis.
Sian also expressed her gratitude to Mr. Phil Thompson, of Texaco, for continuing to support this event.
He said: "Texaco is very pleased to see that this annual event is continuing to grow and be enjoyed by so many people and also for it to be extended into a West Wales Regional Competition. We hope to continue to support the development of boccia within Pembrokeshire for many years to come."
For more details about boccia, how to start playing, or to receive training, contact Sian Bowen on 01437 776240