Disability Sport Wales
Chwaraeon Anabledd Cymru

THE LORD’S TAVERNERS WINDFALL FOR JUNIOR BOCCIA

CP Sport, the Nottingham-based charity that is dedicated to providing sporting opportunities for those with cerebral palsy, has received a significant pledge of financial support to encourage disabled youngsters to play Boccia.

The Lord’s Taverners, through its Disability Sports Appeal, have agreed to contribute over a five-year period to the costs of a newly defined programme to increase participation and development of Junior Boccia by providing funding to the tune of £233,000.

The package is seen as an historic turning point for Boccia, which is a Paralympic sport along the lines of boules or petanque and is suitable for disabled people of all abilities.

Although CP Sport introduced the game and has always administered it in this country, they have never been in a financial position to fully develop a junior programme until now.

CP Sport Manager Shirley Hughes said: “We are absolutely delighted with the sponsorship support from The Lord’s Taverners. We have waited a long time for this moment. It means we can now develop a junior programme which will no doubt feed through in time to senior level and give the sport a much-needed structure.

“Apart from raising the profile of Boccia and the benefits it can offer, the package will enable us to create a structured pathway for young people to progress at their own pace.”

“At long last we will be in a position to deliver a proactive campaign to increase junior participation opportunities from local through to national and potentially international levels.”

The programme will concentrate on providing competitive opportunities and developing clubs, coaches and the sport in general, including the launch of leagues and national competitions.

The funding will also enable CP Sport to appoint a National Boccia Development Officer, who will lead the project.

Keith Bradshaw, Chairman of the Lord’s Taverners Disability Sports Appeal commented: “When we launched our Appeal our aim was to make a difference. The Lord’s Taverners are becoming more and more active in the field of disability sport and we are delighted to have been the stimulant for this exciting development reaching out to young Boccia players and the junior game overall”.

Check out the job vacancies section to read about a new job vacancy at CP Sport.

Boccia Development Officer
Status: Initial contract 12 months. Proposed project duration 5 years, the post will be subject to review at 12 months.
Salary: £25,000 pa

Location: National Office: Nottingham Flexible working arrangements apply

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