Adults with learning disabilities take part in Sutton Boccia tournament

Six care homes and supported living homes for adults with learning disabilities in the London Borough of Sutton took part in the first of its kind Boccia tournament in Sutton. Boccia is a game of strategy and accuracy, designed for those with high support needs. A ball sport, played indoors where players are positioned at one end and aim to get their ball closer to the white target ball than their opponent. 

The tournament was held at a local leisure centre once a week for six weeks. Adults with learning disabilities took part in the games, getting involved with the community and keeping active, helping to make Sutton an inclusive borough for everyone. 

The tournament was organised by Learning Disability Physiotherapy Assistant, Sarah Hills from the Sutton Council Clinical Health Team. "I wanted to give the opportunity for our care homes and supported living homes to come together and take part in something fun and active. It has been great to see our residents enjoy the game so much and meet others in the community. It was lovely to see carers also have the chance to meet other carers in the borough and take part in the game too. Thank you to my colleague Eileen Cloherty, who supported me and our residents each week to take part in the game."

The home that won the tournament took home a certificate and medals. Carers from Choice Support attended the tournament to support people with complex support needs to play each week. Dinnis said; ‘"It was fantastic! It was great to have something new to do which was active and together with the community. The players taking part thoroughly enjoyed it - as did the carers! Thank you to Sarah, Eileen and the staff at the leisure centre - I hope we can do more of these."

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