Boccia is a sport specially designed for athletes with a severe degree of physical disability and has no counterpart in the Olympic Games. It was refined from an ancient Greek ball tossing game by the Italians in the 16th century.

Men and women compete together in teams, pairs and individual events. It is a game of precision with leather balls thrown as close as possible to a white target ball (the jack).

Classification is defined as follows: BC1 comprises Cerebral Palsy athletes who are able to project the ball once it is placed in their hand by an aide. BC2 comprises athletes with a less severe degree of Cerebral Palsy who are not allowed an aide. BC3 – WAD (with assistive device) athletes have the most severe degree of disability and cannot grasp or release the ball. These athletes have to use a ramp to project the ball. BC4 classification is for players who do not have Cerebral Palsy but who are still severely disabled. These players are not allowed an aide.

Boccia is practiced in 42 countries.

Boccia 10th ed final Jan '09.pdf