Sports of the Parapan American Games: Boccia

Guadalajara 2011 was the first Parapan American Games where boccia was contested.

Boccia is a game of skill, accuracy and strategy and was originally designed to be played by people with cerebral palsy but now includes athletes with disabilities that affect motor skills.

It requires extreme accuracy, concentration and muscle control. Played on a flat, smooth surface, the objective is to propel (throw, kick or use an assistive device) six balls as close as possible to a white target ball.

At the close of each end, the athlete, pair or team with the ball closer to the “jack” than the opponent’s receives one point, and receives an additional point for every ball that is closer to the jack than the opponent’s.

An individual or pairs boccia match consists of four ends, while team events are six ends. Each athlete, pair or team throws six balls per end.