More than PVC gutters and ball muffin trays: Boccia brings community together

Boccia is often seen as the Stereotypical Disability Sport, but it’s so much more than PVC gutters and ball muffin trays.

It’s a game of strategy, skill and teamwork that brings people together, creating a sense of community, culture - and a healthy dose of competitive beef. 

Boccia is a sport where you can have a specific rival or matchup with whom you share unspoken tension or a motivating competitive drive. There are also many inside jokes and playful banter on the court and during breaks - like cheeky comments from a twelve year old boy beating a grown man with an axe to grind. 

It’s a sport where upsets can happen, regardless of whether you're a young or older player. The unpredictable nature of the game adds intensity, making each match exciting. Players can also experience a sense of achievement as they climb the national ranks or improve their performance.

Last weekend, 16 competitors from Auckland, Northland and Waikato came together for an action-packed day of fierce competition at the inaugural Disability Sport Auckland Boccia Tournament.

The tournament featured four pools—both competitive and non-competitive—offering players who couldn't afford to travel outside Auckland a valuable opportunity to compete.

The event had a competitive spirit but without the high-pressure atmosphere of larger national tournaments. It provided a great chance for members of the boccia community to connect and play against each other in a supportive environment and get competitive where they might not get a chance to otherwise.

Behind the players

Olya Kiki Pound, 16, from Auckland, is a seasoned boccia player who’s been at it on and off for over a decade. She’s totally at home on the court, saying boccia is “designed for people like me.”

“It’s great knowing there’s a competitive sports pathway for me, especially since there aren't a ton of other options out there,” she says with a grin.

Olya’s favourite move? “The Block” — where she builds an impenetrable wall to stop other players from getting any closer.

She also loves the fact she can dive into local tournaments without having to pack her bags and head out of Auckland. “Fingers crossed, this is just the first of many local comps. I’d love to see more people with disabilities getting into boccia. It’s a blast, and the more, the merrier!"

Max Wymer, 20, from Auckland, is a self-proclaimed sports superfan who’s all about the nitty-gritty of the game. He’s hooked on boccia because it’s the perfect mix of being “highly competitive and fully inclusive”.

“Every tournament is an opportunity to pick up new skills, hang out with other players, and level up,” he says with no big deal.

Max’s signature move is something he calls "The Big Shot" and "The Trick Shot."

“I love the big shots that send the balls flying everywhere—and the trick shots that jump over other balls like a magic trick. They’re fabulous!” he says.

Max has met a ton of inspiring, competitive players through boccia. “The community is amazing and knows its stuff,” he says. “I’m aiming to compete at national events soon. Watch out!”

For Max, boccia isn’t just a sport — it’s his ticket to travel the world and learn new things in ways he never imagined.

Wanna try your hand at the sport? 

After this successful tournament, Disability Sport Auckland is hoping to make this a yearly event so more people can join and be involved.

They also have a designed to develop the skills of all players, new and old if you are based in Auckland. To register click here or if you have any queries about the upcoming programmes you can contact the Sport Development Officer, Aleisha at aleisha@disabilitysportauckland.co.nz 

There are also regional clubs all over the country that you can join find out more on the website: https://boccia.org.nz/

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