Olbia Challenger beckons

Four boccia talents from Great Britain are now getting set for the World Boccia Challenger in Olbia, Italy.

Matt Berry, Reshad Saraj and Tyler McLelland – all athletes on Boccia UK’s Talent Transition Squad – have been selected for the Challenger in Sardinia which starts on 1 October.

Joining the trio is Cardiff’s Tomas Martin, 30, who is a Boccia Coordinator for Disability Sport Wales.

“I’m really excited to travel to Olbia with the Boccia UK squad. It’s a fantastic opportunity and I can’t wait to just get out there and experience it all.”

From left: reshad saraj, tomas martin, sophie newnham and matt berry

Liz Fisher, Head of Performance Pathway – said:

“This is a great opportunity for our athletes to compete individually at an international tournament. Our Talent Transition Squad have really demonstrated this year that they can be highly competitive at World Boccia’s Challenger events, which are a brilliant stepping stone to World Cup level of competition.”

It will be a welcome return to international competition for Berry, Saraj and McLelland who have all medalled at Challenger events this year.

Saraj won his first international individual gold in Lahti back in May while Berry and McLelland have both earned bronze medals in the individuals. Berry also took gold in the BC3 Pairs with Robyn McBride in July in Poznan.

Working with our foursome will be Talent Transition Coach Michaela Rihackova and Boccia UK is also grateful to Terry Conroy from Disability Sport Northern Ireland who is stepping in to support the athletes.