B&Bs clinch title win (From Barry And District News)

B&Bs clinch title win

A TEAM from Barry's Hen Goleg Resource Centre has clinched the inaugural Vale Adult Boccia League title after a dramatic final round of matches.

Going into the fixtures, B&Bs were sharing top spot with Weycock Warriors (Barry College) and the latter, who were first on court, were involved in a very close match before losing out - and picking up just one point - against ValePlus.

Aware of what they needed to lift the title, B&Bs faced a very tense game with The Tempests (Barry College) and eventually achieved a draw and the necessary three points.

Involving 45 individuals, the league comprised seven teams from Hen Goleg, Barry College and ValePlus and an eighth, Vale United, consisting of members of the local community. Taking place over nine weeks at Barry Leisure Centre, the league involved a total of 28 games played with a great sense of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

The culmination of the league was a presentation ceremony where all participants were awarded a medal and certificate of achievement. B&Bs also received a trophy and T-shirt.

Paralympic athlete Stephen Herbert, the Vale sports development unit's ambassador, who presented some of the awards, said: "It's great that more disabled people are becoming involved in sport in the Vale. I have gained tremendous benefits from participating in sport. Hopefully, those individuals who have taken part in the league will continue to play boccia in one of the local clubs in the area."

Organised by the Vale's Disability Sport Cymru Development Officer Karen Davies, the league has been funded by a grant from the Sports Council for Wales.

Thanks were extended to Valerie Savory, a local volunteer of the Disability Sport Cymru scheme, who offered her support with umpiring and scoring.

Similar to boules, boccia was originally created for people with cerebral palsy but is now widely played by individuals of all abilities. It can be played as singles, pairs or triples, and players can throw, roll - using a ramp if needed - or kick the ball. The basic principle is to score more points than your opponent by positioning balls close to a target ball.

Boccia is played recreationally and competitively - up to Paralympic level - by both the disabled and able bodied.

Anyone seeking further details about opportunities in boccia or disability sport in the Vale should contact Karen Davies on 01446 704728.