Photo caption: From back left to right: UC Health Sciences Senior Lecturer Jackie Cowan, UC student Sarah Valintine, Trevor Jenkinson,鈥痑nd UC Master of Sport Science graduate Jacob Martin
Seated in front: Boccia player Matthew Whiting who is setting his sights on the 2032 Paralympics.
Boccia, a precision ball sport specifically designed for athletes with cerebral palsy, is gaining popularity in New Zealand, not just as a competitive sport but as a symbol of inclusivity and empowerment.听
Through a unique partnership with Boccia NZ, Te Whare W膩nanga o Waitaha | 91制片厂 (UC) has been furthering its mission of promoting accessibility, fostering community spirit, and inspiring the next generation of athletes.听
鈥淏occia is more than a sport 鈥 it鈥檚 a platform for breaking barriers,鈥 says Senior Lecturer Jackie Cowan, who, along with a team of UC students, is working with a group to help Boccia NZ to prepare athletes for the 2032 Paralympics. The UC student team includes Sarah Valintine, Jacob Martin, Mackenzie Dempster, Akiyo Ellin, and technician Gavin Blackwell.听
Played on an indoor court, Boccia is a unique sport where athletes aim to position leather balls as close as possible to a target ball, or jack. What sets it apart is the adaptability it offers 鈥 players can use their hands, feet, or assistive devices like a ramp to throw, kick, or roll the ball, making it a highly versatile and engaging sport.
鈥淭his game is unique because it鈥檚 not just about physical skill; it鈥檚 also about mental acuity,鈥 explains Cowan. 鈥淎thletes must strategise, anticipate their opponent鈥檚 moves, and adapt their techniques 鈥 all of which create an engaging and challenging environment. It combines strategy, precision, and teamwork, making it accessible to individuals of all physical abilities. It鈥檚 inspiring to see how it levels the playing field for athletes and provides a sense of community and belonging.鈥
For many players, Boccia represents much more than competition 鈥 it鈥檚 a pathway to confidence and connection. This sentiment resonates with Matthew Whiting, one of New Zealand鈥檚 current Boccia stars who is setting his sights on the 2032 Paralympics.
鈥淢atthew鈥檚 journey is a testament to the transformative power of Boccia,鈥 says Cowan. 鈥淗e鈥檚 not just competing; he鈥檚 inspiring others and showing what鈥檚 possible with determination, passion and the right support.鈥
UC students have been actively supporting the sport鈥檚 development. Among their contributions is their work with Whiting to refine his technique, work on strength and conditioning, and develop strategies for high-stakes competition.听
鈥淯C opened an entire lab space for us to work on improving Whiting鈥檚 performance. Our students have been assisting him with data analysis, strength and conditioning, and video feedback to optimise his performance,鈥 says Dr Cowan. 鈥淚t's incredible to see how their academic skills translate into real-world impact, directly supporting an athlete on his Paralympic journey.鈥
This collaboration empowers athletes and provides UC students with invaluable experience. 鈥淲orking with Matthew has been eye-opening,鈥 says Jacob Martin, who recently completed his Master of Sports Science degree at UC and worked with Whiting as strength and conditioning coach. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a cool opportunity to get more eyes on a relatively niche sport.鈥疻e have seen what we鈥檝e done in a relatively short amount of time with Matt for him to be able to gain confidence in his ability again.鈥澨
One of the standout projects has been the development of educational resources for new players and coaches, which have been shared widely. These efforts are crucial for expanding Boccia鈥檚 reach and preparing athletes like Whiting for international competition.
鈥淏occia鈥檚 success relies heavily on community support,鈥 says Sarah Valintine who is pursuing her Bachelor of Sport Coaching at UC. 鈥淭he collaboration with UC has allowed us to amplify our message and reach more people than ever. Primarily a sport designed for people with cerebral palsy, the sport is being promoted and played in schools across New Zealand. The students bring fresh ideas and a genuine passion for inclusion, which has been transformative.鈥
鈥淏occia is not just a sport; it鈥檚 a lifeline for many individuals,鈥 says Whiting. 鈥淭he support I鈥檝e received from UC and Boccia NZ has been pivotal in my journey. It鈥檚 not just about winning medals; it鈥檚 about showing the world what鈥檚 possible.鈥
Whiting says his journey has been challenging, but he will continue promoting the sport. 鈥淚 am 69 and aim to participate in the 2032 Paralympic sport. Even if my health doesn鈥檛 allow me, I will be present in some capacity to promote the sport.鈥
UC and Boccia NZ remain committed to fostering the sport鈥檚 growth, with an eye toward the 2032 Paralympics as a milestone for New Zealand鈥檚 para-sport community. In every throw, every strategy, and every game, Boccia represents the resilience of the human spirit and the belief that everyone deserves a place on the court.
