Mayor hopes gifting Boccia sets will encourage physical activity and participation among elderly
24 October 2023
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue, has gifted Boccia kits to each District Electoral Area in the Council area to allow older people to avail of the game’s benefits.
The kits will be used in Western Health and Social Care Trust Day Centres with the intention of encouraging physical activity and participation among those who attend.
Boccia is a ball game, similar to bowls, which can be played by two, three or four players who aim to get their ball closest to a jack.
Launching the initiative this week at the Foyle Arena, Mayor Logue expressed her hope that the kits would yield health and wellbeing benefits for those who use them.
“I am delighted to be able to fund these kits which will go into the Day Centre of each of our DEAs and give users the opportunity to play this game,” she said.
“Boccia has been proven to help planning and coordination skills among older people and it can be particularly helpful for those with a dementia diagnosis.
“I hope playing this game will bring people together to relax and socialise and encourage sports participation among older people in our City and District.”
This week’s launch was part of Council’s month long programme of events for Positive Ageing Month which included information events for older people to learn more about the services and support available to them.
Council’s Sports Development Team will provide Boccia training in Day Centres across the Council area to allow them to host the games and events themselves.
Boccia players from around the City and District will come together for a competition in the Foyle Arena after the initiative is rolled out.
For more on Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Age Friendly initiatives visit derrystrabane.com/community/