Boccia is a sport specifically designed for athletes with a severe physical disability. The aim of the game is to propel a set of coloured balls and position them closer to a white "marker" ball than those of your opponent. This white ball is called the "jack" hence the game is similar in context to bowls.

It is a non-contact, target driven sport which relies on skill and subtlety rather than size, strength or speed. It is because of this that it is equally suited to those with or without a disability. The game MUST be played from a seated position which makes it ideal for either manual or motorised wheelchair users and one of the great attractions to this game is that is can be played by both able-bodied and disabled people of all ages – from men with or against women, young with or against old and this was certainly the case last week when large numbers turned out for Fermanagh's First Boccia championships at the Lakeland Forum.

Inclusive Sports and Leisure Officer Roisin Henry from Disability Sports N.I. was delighted with how the day had gone "it was a great success and I was amazed at the number of teams that had entered, as a result of the huge numbers play went on a little longer than expected, however feedback was very positive and everyone had a brilliant day. The level of competition was extremely high and we had a lot of close matches which required play-offs."

There are few occasions where sporting activities can cater for everyone and teams were represented from disability groups, day care centres, schools (both mainstream and special), age concern and independent groups as well.

But like all other competitions there can only be one winner and after the 40+ teams battled through over 150 ends the eventual winners were the Drumcoo Players – Valerie Edwards, Mary Cromie and Margaret Mc Kenzie while 2nd place went to the A Team also from Drumcoo - Brian McBrien, Joe Tottenham and Philip Tunney.

The junior section was won by the Erne Wanderers - Erne School pupils Mark Joseph McCaffrey, Kieran Kent and Conor Lunny while pupils from Elmbrook Stars - Ben Geddis, Karyn Armstrong and Rachel Ritchie were unlucky not to make the quarter finals.

The Beyond Spectating Perpetual Cup was presented by Martin Carney to the Drumcoo Players and after the presentation of medals Roisin Henry thanked everyone for their full participation and in particular the volunteers from the R.N.I.B., Caroline Crawford, Bill McIntyre and Tommy McKay who without their help and support the competition would not have been such a success.

Anyone who would like more information on Boccia or other Disability Sports can contact Roisin at the Lakeland Forum 028 6632 6936 or rhenry@dsni.co.uk