Pembrokeshire schools compete in boccia tournaments

Young people from schools and Learning Resource Centres (LRCs) across Pembrokeshire showcased their skills, teamwork and determination at this year’s School and LRC Boccia Tournaments.

The south Pembrokeshire event took place at Tenby Leisure Centre on October 13 and was won by Johnston School. Teams from Tenby VC School, Gelliswick, Johnston, Pembroke Dock Community School and Monkton took part in a highly competitive day of action.

The north Pembrokeshire tournament was held at Fishguard Leisure Centre on October 14, with Fenton School emerging as champions. Schools represented included Fenton, Ysgol Glannau Gwaun and Waldo Williams.

Both events were organised by Sport Pembrokeshire.

In total, eight Learning Resource Centres and 19 teams took part across the two events, giving pupils the opportunity to enjoy competitive sport, build confidence and demonstrate excellent sportsmanship.

The tournaments were supported by Silver Young Ambassadors from Greenhill School at the south event and Ysgol Bro Gwaun at the north event, whose enthusiasm and assistance helped ensure both competitions ran smoothly.

Jon Rowles of Sport Pembrokeshire said: "Both tournaments were played in great spirits and the standard of boccia was extremely high. The days were brilliantly run by the Young Ambassadors from Greenhill and Ysgol Bro Gwaun.

“Thanks to all schools, staff and volunteers involved in making the events such a success.”

A special thank you also goes to event sponsor Valero for its support of school sport and inclusive opportunities for young people across the county.

Boccia is a precision ball sport, similar to bocce, and related to bowls and pétanque.

The sport is contested at local, national and international levels by athletes with severe physical disabilities. It was originally designed to be played by people with cerebral palsy.

As of 2020, 75 boccia national organizations have joined one or more of the international organizations