Boccia made its debut as a medal sport at the Paralympic Games in Barcelona in1992. Although the game originated long ago in the Italian Alps, its popularity has spread worldwide.  Boccia has also long been a popular sport with individuals with cerebral palsy, testing an athlete's level of muscle control, concentration and accuracy.

Athletes throw, kick or use an assistive device to propel leather balls as close as possible to a white target ball (the jack). Each player throws six balls. After each individual match, four ends are played, with the top two players from each pool advancing. Boccia is played indoors on a flat, smooth surface by either individuals or teams.

Paralympic boccia competition is open to male and female athletes with cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke.

E-mail your questions about boccia.  Find a local program in your community - visit the Paralympic Activity Network.


For more information about Paralympic boccia, visit United Cerebral Palsy's boccia page.