Boccia Australia was proudly represented at the Alice Springs Mini Paralympics from 1–4 September, with Sport Development Officer Charles leading a series of Boccia activities.

Monday and Tuesday – NTSA Para Futures Program

On the first two days, Charles delivered Boccia as part of the Northern Territory Sports Academy (NTSA) Open Para Futures Program. This initiative, run in partnership with Paralympics Australia, identifies and supports athletes with disabilities in Darwin and Alice Springs, helping them discover sports that match their abilities and ambitions.

Participants were introduced to Boccia for the first time and responded with enthusiasm. The atmosphere was fun and supportive, with many community members and support workers actively assisting participants.

On Monday, without a ramp available, support workers stepped in to help those unable to throw the ball. By Tuesday, Charles had crafted a DIY ramp using PVC pipes from a local hardware store. The innovative solution worked remarkably well and showcased just how adaptable Boccia can be, with simple adjustments opening up opportunities for more participants to experience the sport.

Wednesday – Come & Try at Footy4Life

On Wednesday, Charles showcased Boccia at the Come & Try event within the Footy4Life program at TIO Traeger Park.

Footy4Life is designed to build confidence, transferable skills, and self-expression through football, while helping participants grow both on and off the field. This Come & Try event, held in the lead-up to the Mini Paralympics, allowed attendees to explore a variety of para sports.

Boccia once again received great interest. Participants enjoyed learning the basics, and many asked about long-term playing opportunities. The session created excellent awareness of Boccia pathways while shining a spotlight on para sport in the community.

Thursday – Alice Springs Mini Paralympics

The Alice Springs Mini Paralympics on Thursday was the highlight of the week, taking place at the Alice Springs Basketball Association and TIO Traeger Park Oval. Boccia was showcased alongside wheelchair basketball, badminton, seated volleyball, and a range of track and field events.

Around 40–50 participants tried Boccia throughout the day. Many picked up the game quickly, experimenting with different throwing styles, and some progressed from absolute beginners at the start of the week to confidently playing by Thursday.

The interest extended beyond participants, with several volunteers eager to help facilitate future Boccia programs in Alice Springs. This momentum created valuable exposure for Boccia and para sport more broadly in Central Australia.

Reflection

For Charles, attending the Alice Springs Mini Paralympics as Sport Development Officer was a particularly rewarding experience. He described the event as a great reminder of the value of providing inclusive sporting opportunities and the impact of seeing new participants discover Boccia for the first time.

Charles also noted that the week revealed classifiable athletes in the region, highlighting strong potential for future Boccia development. He was inspired by the collaboration between organisations and individuals, and said that teaching Boccia, seeing the joy it created, and being part of such a positive environment reaffirmed his passion for growing the sport.