Taggart storms into semi-finals

Northern Ireland’s Claire Taggart has stormed into the semi-finals at the World Boccia European Championships in Seville while a further two players from the British squad guaranteed a place in the quarter finals.

The World number two from Larne has annihilated the competition in the individual pool matches. She beat Chantal Van Engelen of the Netherlands 7-1, then sent Greece’s Dionysia Tsakiri packing 6-1 and saw off Slovakia’s Kristina Kudlacova 8-0:

“I’m delighted to win my third match of the group and progress through to the semi-finals. I’ve been working hard since Tokyo and it’s paid off,” said Taggart.

She will now play in the first-ever female only European Championship semi-final as the rules recently changed, which opens more medal opportunities for female boccia players.

In the BC3s, Scott McCowan and Will Arnott will tomorrow battle it out for a place in the quarter finals. McCowan – who finished fourth at the Tokyo Paralympics - took a 7-1 victory over Alejandro Morillas Parra of Spain and subsequently lost on tie-break to Italy’s Mirco Garavaglia. However, he still tops the group.

Arnott – who makes his championship debut for Boccia UK in Seville – controlled his opening game to a 7-1 win over Germany’s Thomas Knoth. He today held his own against World Champion Grigorios Polychronidis, losing 4-3.

Meanwhile, Beth Moulam is safely through to the quarter finals. Despite losing her opener to tournament favourite Sonia Heckel of France 4-1, she today put on a strong 6-0 display against Norway’s Elisabeth Wilhelmsen.

Steph McGuire and David Smith play their final pool matches but Boccia UK Performance Director Helen Nicholls says that both are in a strong position to escape the pool stages:

“Steph and David are highly experienced players and we expect them to come through strongly tomorrow. Some of the groups here are small and it’s a real skill to escape the pool stages. Losing one match can put you in a very difficult position but that’s what we train for and that’s elite sport.”

McGuire has already won his first two matches and currently tops the group. He triumphed over the Czech Republic’s Ondrej Kaas 9-1 and then followed up with a 3-1 win over Andrii Okulov of the Ukraine. He is now set to face Portugal’s Manuel Cruz.

There was a surprise upset for top seed and Paralympic Champion David Smith in his opening match. Facing the newly reclassified Nikolas Anozov of Russia, Britain’s best-ever boccia player lost 3-6. He plays tomorrow and needs to win in order to progress further. He is drawn against Croatia’s Martin Frkovic.

Will Hipwell missed to escape the pool matches on a one point difference on countback to Russia’s Dmitry Kozmin. It followed a 4-1 victory over Marco Dekker of the Netherlands:

“I’m disappointed I wasn’t able to capitalise on the momentum from winning yesterday. However, I have taken a lot of good learning points from the game which I will use to improve in future tournaments.”

He is now looking ahead to the Team and Pairs event which start on Monday.

Future of boccia is in great shape

As the Boccia UK Challenger event draws to a close, Performance Director Helen Nicholls says the future of the sport is in great shape.

The Challenger event has been held over three days in Largs, Scotland and has seen Pathway players from across the Home Nations compete alongside World Class Programme athletes. The event has been designed to help prepare and propel future boccia talent.

Helen explained:

“It has been a delight this week to spend time with our up-and-coming athletes. We haven’t been able to see anyone outside of the GB squad over the last two years because of Covid. It’s been fantastic to see a vibrant and progressive boccia pathway in action.

“What I’ve seen this week certainly augurs well for the future of the sport within the UK. Elite sport is about winning but, most of the time, it’s actually about learning and becoming the best player you can be. This week has been about leaving the court with skills and tactics you didn’t start with.”

The winners of each classification were:

·       BC1 - David Smith (1st), Jabe Peake (2nd)

·       BC2 - Claire Taggart (1st), Lewis McConnell (2nd)

·       BC3 - Patrick Wilson (1st), Robyn McBride (2nd)

·       BC4 - Louis Saunders, Tyler McLelland (2nd)

Special awards were also handed out:

·       Highest placed Pathway athlete – Robyn McBride (Northern Ireland)

·       Coaches’ award by Glynn Tromans – Lee Maddison (England)

·       Coaches’ award by Claire Morrison – Paul McIntrye Scotland)

·       Performance Director’s award by Helen Nicholls – Robyn McBride (Northern Ireland)

·       The Largs Plate for the overall winner – Louis Saunders (World Class Performance programme)

Coaching awards were awarded to Lee and Paul for demonstrating an ability to engage in coaching and apply feedback in matches while Robyn received the Performance Director’s award and the award for the highest placed Pathway athlete:

“We were delighted to welcome back Robyn after seeing her at one of our Challenger events a couple of years ago. The progress she has made since then has really paid off. She is committed to being the best boccia player she can be and thoroughly deserved this award,” added Helen.

Robyn McBride wins Performance Director’s Award and Highest Placed Pathway Athlete.

Finally, Louis Saunders – the youngest member of the Great Britain boccia team in Tokyo – was named the overall winner across all classifications:

“Louis was one of three athletes in the squad in Tokyo who had never been to a Paralympics before. That experience is always a learning curve and a challenge. I’ve been really impressed by Louis’ attitude – he has returned from the Games and is embedding changes to his game. He continues to learn and grow as an athlete.”

The Challenger event has been supported by funding from Get Kids Going, a national charity which gives disabled children and young people, up to the age of 26 years, the opportunity of participating in sport.

Taggart relishes European challenge

British boccia stars are back in training and gearing up for next month’s European Championships which take place in Seville from 22 November to 1 December.

It will be the first outing for the squad - which includes triple Paralympic gold medallist David Smith MBE - since Tokyo and players will want to measure up to their medal tally from 2019 when every British athlete earned a place on the podium.

It will also be one of the first competitions to launch separate events for men and women. Until now, boccia has been one of the only sports where men and women competed together.

Paralympian Claire Taggart is excited by the prospect:

“It presents a new opportunity and challenge for female athletes which I plan to grab with both hands. Hopefully it will encourage lots of women and girls to get involved in boccia. The Europeans is a huge competition. I’m looking forward to competing again as I wasn’t happy with my performances in Tokyo. I’ve had a long break to recover and reset and am now back on court and in the gym.”

In 2019, the player from Northern Ireland secured BC2 Individual silver and won bronze in the BC1/2 Team with David Smith and Will Hipwell.

Claire Taggart at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

The GB line-up for Seville remains largely unchanged from that of Tokyo. However, Will Arnott from Reading has received a call-up and he will join Beth Moulam (York) and Scott McCowan (Dundonald, Ayrshire) in the BC3s.

The 22-year-old is a relative newcomer to the Boccia UK World Class programme, having joined it during lockdown:

“This is the first major event for me representing GB and it’s a good opportunity to show what I can do. Competition will be fierce in the BC3s – within Europe, we have the silver medallist from Tokyo. All of us British BC3s are playing well at the moment so we are capable of winning a medal.”

Will Arnott will be in action in Seville. @GettyImages

Of course, all eyes will be on David Smith MBE who has been enjoying homecoming celebrations as well as visits to clubs and schools since his return from Japan:

“It’s a bit strange being back in training after all the emotion of Tokyo. However, it’s exciting that  we only have three years until the Paris Paralympics and, having spent two years without any competition, it seems reasonable to have two majors in quick succession.”

It is also worth keeping an eye on Scott McCowan. The 30-year-old Scotsman just missed out on a place in the final at the Tokyo Paralympics and finished fourth:

“I’m feeling good. It was my best ever performance in Tokyo so I’m full of confidence going into the Europeans. This year is unusual in the sense that we have a major championship so soon after the Paralympics but I’m just hoping to maintain my level that I’ve been playing at since the lockdown ended.”

Boccia UK - a glossary

New to Boccia and a bit puzzled by the different terms? Here’s a glossary to help guide you!

THE BASICS

Boccia: (Botcha) A precision ball sport, related to Bowls/Petanque, played at The Paralympic Games.

Balls: Equipment used to play the game.

Jack: The main target ball (white) which the game is played to.

Ramp / assistive device: The equipment used by BC3 athletes to propel the ball onto court.

Court: The field of play.

Line: Play a shot to a particular direction.

Pace: Play a shot with a particular speed.

Shot Type: Different types of shots with different intentions and uses.

LUP: A placement shot. It is a shot played to deliver a ball in a specific area.

KON or knock on: A shot in which the player pushes own ball closer into a target area e.g. jack ball or scoring space.

KOFF or knock off: A shot in which the player pushes opposition ball away from the specific target.

INOFF or ricochet: A shot played to rebound off a ball into a scoring zone.

LOB: An aerial shot played to move a target ball by attacking over a ball.

Pace and Space: Playing a shot without a target ball.

Calibration: Like a yardage chart for golfers, the way a BC3 player determines the pace of the shot.

Ball Composition: The nature of the balls used by a player or side – made up by different manufacturers and to different degree of softness.

Rocks: Very hard balls, new developments have led to Damage Balls!

Sponges: Very soft balls.

Block: A tactic designed to limit an opponent’s ability to score.

Fearless Boccia: A style of play developed and utilised by British players.

SOM: Decision-making process used by some British players – with reference to the Situation, the Options and the Margin of Error.

Margin of Error: The degree of difficulty of the shot to be taken.

 THE GAME

Competition Structure: Regional Opens, World Opens and Championships.

Player: The athlete taking part.

Sports Assistant: Person on court with a BC3 Player is regarded as playing staff and wins medals – like pilots in cycling, guides in running. BC1 players also have an assistant on court but they are not regarded as playing staff and do not receive a medal.

Classification: The process of allocating athletes to groups to create as fair a playing field as possible relative to disability. There are four classifications in Paralympic Boccia.

Roll Test: A piece of equipment where the shape, size and weight of the balls used are checked to ensure they are legal.

Call Room: Area before competition starts where athletes and equipment are checked.

Officials: Referees, Time-Keepers, Line Judges, Head Referees, Technical Delegates, Classifiers (all of these as part of the Officials or as independents.

Taraflex; The surface of the court used at the Paralympic Games and some other major events.

End: A section of a match involving a jack, twelve shots per side, plus penalties. Four ends are played in Individual and Pairs matches, six ends in Team matches.

V-line: The line on the court that the Jack ball must cross in order to be in play.

Cross: The centre of the court, where penalties are taken and tie breaks are started.

Box: The area of the court a player sits to take their shots.

Tie break: The extra end played if the game finishes in a draw.

Penalty box: 25cmx25cm square in the centre of the court, used as a target for penalty shots.

Violations: When rules are broken and can result in yellow cards, red cards, retracted balls and penalties.

UK BOCCIA PATHWAY

World Boccia: The international federation that governs the sport internationally. It was originally called BISFed but was renamed.

BPA: British Paralympic Association. The body which selects and takes a national team to the Paralympics.

Boccia UK: The national federation that governs the sport at elite level across the UK.

Performance Pathway: A seamless path between Home Nation and World Class Programme (WCP), which identifies talented players, encourages and supports progression through a network of Regional/National Performance Groups, and manages the effective transition of the most talented athletes onto the UK squad and World Class Performance Programme. 

Boccia England, Scottish Disability Sport, Disability Sport Wales, Disability Sport Northern Ireland: The four home nation bodies which govern the sport at a national level below elite.

World Class Programme (WCP): Supported by Boccia UK via UK Sport Lottery Funding. The programme exists to provide athletes with medal winning capabilities and support to represent Great Britain at World, European and future Paralympic Games.

Transition Support: The programme the sits below the World Class Performance Programme and aims to bridge the gap between Home Nation and the WCP.  The aim is to prepare players for the WCP with the knowledge, skill and awareness to become a world class athlete. At this stage, players are still required to engage with their Home Nation Performance Programme.

Performance Group: Whilst each Home Nation Performance Group operates a slightly different programme, this stage is initially focused on technical/tactical/mindset/physical development and competition experience.

Clubs/ Regional Club: The main entry point in the Performance Pathway where players learn and develop their Boccia foundations.  A player’s focus should be on enjoyment, learning new fundamental skills in a fun and varied environment. 

DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES

Shot Process: The set-up, preparation, delivery and follow-through a player will consistently execute to release a ball.

Individual Action Plan (IAP): A document which looks at the future development of a player step by step. It enables the coach and players to look at:

·        Where am I now?

·        Where would I like to be?

·        How will I get there?

·        Regular touchpoints for coach/player communication

·        Focusing on a smaller number of priority actions

·        Developing, improving, growing, changing direction and setting new goals

Skills Test: The Nine Point Boccia Skills Test is used to objectively measure a player’s ability to be consistently accurate in reaching all key areas of the court. The test is standardised, with fixed target locations specified and each player completing the test from the same position. Each ball is measured using a ruler and then removed.

Notation: Methods used to gather data on a match for performance analysis purposes.

PLAYER PROFILE (CURRICULUM)

Technical: Ability to deliver a highly-consistent and accurate shot.

Tactical: Ability to consistently select the appropriate, match-winning shots.

Physical: Physical ability to deliver a highly-consistent shot.

Mindset: Ability to engage in a learning process and prepare correctly to execute a match-winning performance.

National Boccia Celebrations rolled out across UK

Paralympic champion David Smith MBE is feeling upbeat about the future of boccia as the celebrations for National Boccia Day have, for the first time, been rolled out right across the UK.

National Boccia Day is an annual event on the 27 September to celebrate and to raise awareness of the sport for those already involved and to raise awareness across the country. Led by Boccia England, Disability Sport Wales, Scottish Disability Sport and Disability Sport Northern Ireland, with support from Irwin Mitchell, there are activities right across the UK.

Having become Britain’s best boccia player of all time, Smith says that success at an elite level is being mirrored by the growth of the sport at the grassroots:

“Boccia is a sport with so much potential in the UK because it can be played by anybody. We’re in a brilliant position now, thanks to the live coverage from Tokyo, to get more people involved.

“Playing a sport like boccia helps more parts of society - that are often forgotten - to have an active role and to have an opportunity to achieve something. And as the sport grows at a club level, it means that the Great Britain squad has more strength and depth and we’d have more domestic competitions that would be spectator-friendly.”

— David Smith MBE

National boccia day is being celebrated across the uk

The theme of this year’s National Boccia Day is Boccia Is Back which will celebrate the transition from playing the sport virtually to the return of face-to-face  boccia.

72 National Boccia Day activity sessions have taken place at clubs, schools and other organisations across all four countries of the UK and the celebrations are continuing for the rest of the week.

All four corners of the UK have been celebrating with boccia activity taking place on the Orkney Isles, in Plymouth, County Antrim, Pembrokeshire and Norwich.

Boccia England CEO, Chris Ratcliffe, said: “After the success of the Paralympics GB Boccia Team in Tokyo, this year’s National Boccia Day has provided a fantastic opportunity to celebrate those involved in all aspects of the sport. It has been wonderful to grow the event by working with Scottish Disability Sport, Disability Sport Northern Ireland, and Disability Sport Wales and celebrate together that Boccia is Back. Thank you to everyone who has delivered a National Boccia Day session, we hope that you have enjoyed this year’s event as much as we have.”

Meanwhile, Fiona Reid, CEO of Disability Sport Wales, is feeling positive about the growth of boccia in Wales:

“Boccia in Wales is gathering momentum, and we are really excited to share, promote and be involved with the development of this exciting, dynamic and incredibly tactical sport. The provision of equipment into homes to enable people to play boccia brings with it brilliant boccia activity resources which includes cards as well as virtual challenges with some of the best players in Wales. National Boccia Day in Wales is spearheaded by the players, providing inspiration and information for those who could get involved. We are really lucky to have David Smith living in Swansea, who brings his passion, success and personality to Wales and the opportunities which are becoming more established for the Boccia pathway.”

Gavin MacLeod is the CEO of Scottish Disability Sport and he is also looking forward to building on momentum:

“Scottish Disability Sport is delighted to be involved in National Boccia Day 2021. Engagement in the day in Scotland has been exceptional and has really helped to introduce boccia to new partners and future participants. We now look to build on the momentum of the day and the recent Tokyo Summer Paralympic Games to open up opportunities to participate and compete in this great sport right across Scotland. Our sincere thanks to all those who have made National Boccia Day such a huge success.”

National Boccia Day is sponsored by Irwin Mitchell which provides a wide range of legal and financial services to thousands of individuals and businesses. Its staff have also made boccia more accessible to more people by setting up and supporting the running of boccia clubs across the country. 

For more information, visit National Boccia Day National Boccia Day 2021 | Boccia England Limited

Athletes thanks DM Orthotics

British boccia stars have thanked DM Orthotics - a world leading creator of medical rehabilitation and sports performance products - for their support.

David Smith MBE is the most successful British boccia BC1 player of all time and currently world number one.  He has been using a DMO® Custom Suit to help his performance since 2014. He has Cerebral Palsy Spastic Quadriplegia which means his whole body is affected and his muscles are often stiff and tight, reducing his range of movement and making smooth, controlled movements a challenge.  He also has severe Scoliosis, curvature of the spine.

Before meeting the team at DM Orthotics, David wore a spinal brace. He experienced lots of stiffness in his lower back and struggled with poor core control. After receiving new neuro physio training, David’s physiotherapist suggested a suit as they felt it would increase his sports performance, stability, and stamina, as well as reduce his risk of injury.

The DM Orthotics clinical team helped support his transition from using a brace to a soft fabric orthosis and now he no longer uses a brace, using the suit to help him in all areas of his life:

“Within a few months I was stronger, more flexible and more responsive to soft tissue treatment,” he said. “My posture improved, and my power rose rapidly.  I was able to start dominating my sport and updating my throwing technique easily.

“I never use my brace anymore. My pressure sores have disappeared and my body is much more resistant to aches and pains in the back.”

European Silver Medallist in 2019, Claire Taggart started playing boccia six years ago and wears a DMO® Custom Glove and Vest.

 “My condition Dystonia causes painful contractures and the resistance provided within my left forearm glove enables me to grip better and to stabilise myself for my throw,” she said. “Using Dynamic Movement Orthoses® allows me to be active and competitive within my sport – I would not be the boccia athlete I am today without them.”

Claire Taggart using a dm orthotics glove

Evie Edwards won a silver medal in the BC4 pairs at the 2017 European Championships in Portugal.

“My DMO® leggings help with giving me stability to my legs and hips,” she said. “They’ve helped prevent patella dislocations and I’m nearly completely off pain medication because of them.”

Jamie McCowan – who is currently ranked fifth in the world in the BC3 classification – has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and wears a DMO® Vest.

 “The vest provides me with postural support which reduces fatigue and helps me maintain a high level of performance in training and competitions,” he said.

Patrick Wilson – World Silver Medallist in 2014 – has been wearing a custom-made Scoliosis suit for many years.

 “My DMO® Suit gives me stability and the propensity to strengthen my core that otherwise would not have been possible for me,” he said. “It’s allowed me to be more consistent and push the boundaries of what I am able to do. The DMO® suit is one of the most important things I take with me when competing.”

DM Orthotics is a world-leader in the design and manufacture of its patented Dynamic Movement Orthoses® (DMO®).   Since 2005 the company has worked to help adults and children with the single aim of improving function and encouraging independence for the patient.

Patricia McCotter, DM Orthotics’ UK Clinical Manager said:

 “We are delighted to be supporting the Boccia UK Team. It has been a privilege working with the athletes and I am so glad our bespoke orthoses have helped them succeed at the very highest levels.”

Boccia UK looks ahead to Paris 2024

British boccia stars are now looking ahead to Paris 2024 as their run in Tokyo today comes to a close.

The tournament saw Great Britain’s David Smith MBE win individual gold, while Scott McCowan reached the bronze medal play-off.

Boccia UK’s Performance Director Helen Nicholls said there is a lot to be proud of:

“To return home with a gold is superb but we also go home with so much more knowledge and insight that we’ll take into our preparations for Paris 2024. Three of our squad members here were first-time Paralympians so, for them, to even just experience playing at this level and being part of one the biggest multi-sport competitions on the planet is invaluable.”

Smith was certainly in a positive mindset after defeating Argentina 6-4 on their final day of pool matches. But the Team, also featuring Claire Taggart and Will Hipwell, was not able to overcome RPC – the Russian Paralympic Committee team - for a place in the semi-final and were sent out 3-10:

Claire Taggart in action in Tokyo. Credit: imagecomms

“RPC were a bit strong for us today but we move onto the next Paralympic cycle,” said Smith. “We’re looking forward to Paris; we know we’ve got a lot to do but we feel like we’re making massive progress. We were outside the top 13 less than two years ago and now we are in top eight and gradually improving all the time.”

The day started well in the BC4 Pairs too as Stephen McGuire, Louis Saunders and Evie Edwards triumphed 5-2 over long-term rivals, Canada. A place in the semi-finals came down to the last head-to-head pool match with Portugal which Britain lost 1-3:

“I’m really disappointed,” said McGuire. “There’s nothing I would have loved more than to bring home a medal for ParalympicsGB. It’s been my dream but it’s been a fantastic tournament. The third end was where the game turned around so credit to Portugal.”

Stephen McGuire and Louis Saunders in action today

Meanwhile, brothers Scott and Jamie McCowan, together with Beth Moulam, finished on a high with a 7-0 drubbing over France in the BC3 Pairs. While they were unable to progress to the semi-final, it marked the first-ever Paralympic Games win for Moulam.

Jamie McCowan said: “It’s such a relief to get the win to be honest. This week’s been one of the toughest of my career. We came out fighting and, for the three of us to produce that, it reminded us how good we actually are. I’d say for Beth as well, coming into her first Paralympic Games, she was simply brilliant in that game.”

Earlier in the day, Thailand claimed a 7-3 win over the BC4s.

Beth Moulam prepares her shot with ramp assistant Christie Hutchings. Credit imagecomms

Stars begin team events in Tokyo

Britain’s David Smith didn’t have long to celebrate after yesterday’s individual gold medal in the boccia at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

It was back to business this morning as the Team and Pairs events started in the Ariake Arena. Smith is joined by Claire Taggart and Will Hipwell in the BC1/2 Team.

The trio battled it out ending up level 7-7 going into the final against China. Great Britain took a risky shot which didn’t pay off and China took a four-point victory. Boccia UK Performance Director Helen Nicholls described it as “a tough defeat but a brave performance.”

They are back on court tomorrow to face Argentina and RPC - the Russian Paralympic Committee.

There was better news in the BC4 Pairs despite the fact they find themselves in a tough pool. Stephen McGuire, Louis Saunders and Evie Edwards took a terrific first 6-4 victory over Brazil, silver medallists in this event from Rio 2016:

“Brazil have a strong track record so we always knew it was going to be tricky but to get three points in the first end really set us up well.”

Slovakia – the World Champions in the BC4 Pairs – dominated in the second BC4 pool match with McGuire’s team trailing by 0-8. But there remains a good opportunity for the Brits to qualify for the semi-final if they can overcome France and Portugal tomorrow.

Meanwhile, York’s Beth Moulam officially became a Paralympian today, on court with brothers Scott and Jamie McCowan in the BC3 Pairs.

From left: Louis Saunders, Evie Edwards and Stephen McGuire

The BC3 suffered agonisingly close defeats to Republic of Korea, which went to a tiebreak, and then Greece – the bronze medallists in this event from Rio 2016 – by just two points.

“Even at this standard, I have to remember it is just the same game that I play at home, just on the world stage,” said Moulam..

David wins the gold

DAVID WINS THE GOLD

Britain’s David Smith MBE has won gold, successfully defending his individual boccia title at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. He now has five medals from four Paralympic Games.

Qualifying for today’s final wrote him into the history books as Britain’s most successful boccia player of all time.

In a nailbiting final against Chew Wei Lun of Malaysia, Smith trailed after the first end but fought back to take the lead in the next three. With a final score of 4-2 to the Brit, there were emotional scenes with his long-term on-court assistant Sarah Nolan.

David Smith celebrates as he wins gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

And on becoming Britain’s best-ever player, Smith said:

“You try not to think about it but it does matter. I do care about that stuff a little bit. You do want to be recognised. This week has been great - having boccia on the livestream for the first time, I've been able to show what I can do. I think the rest of the sport has been able to show what they can do. It's a great sport and that's quite emotional too; that finally boccia is getting the recognition it deserves.”

Boccia is now the fastest-growing sport within the Paralympic movement and the standards are constantly being raised:

“I've never seen a standard so high so early in the competition,” said Smith, who has been coached by Glynn Tromans since he won his gold medal in Rio. “I feel as if I’ve played about seven finals. It's just been so tough; I've never known it like that. It's nuts to think that we've just had a pandemic and we've all been locked indoors for a while and then suddenly they come out here and they're bashing it out of the park.”

Boccia UK Performance Director Helen Nicholls is celebrating the success:

“David is an incredible athlete and has earned legendary status. When you’re talking about British Paralympic greats, David is right up there and has done so much to promote and further the sport.

“What we have seen from him here in Tokyo have been absolute masterclasses in the strategy and delivery that’s required at this level as it comes down to millimetre margins.”

David Smith receives his fifth medal from four Paralympic Games

Earlier in the day, team-mate Scott McCowan from Dundonald in Scotland just missed out on the bronze after falling to Australia’s Daniel Michel.

There is little time for the British squad to celebrate, however, as it is back to business in the Ariake Arena tomorrow when the Team and Pairs events begin.

Boccia UK is supported by UK Sport and The National Lottery.

Scott just misses out on bronze

British boccia player Scott McCowan just missed out on bronze today at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

He was defeated 1-6 by Australia’s Dan Michel after what has been a terrific run by the man from Dundonald in Scotland:

“I’m devastated at the moment. But I’ve got to give credit to Dan; he played a great game. He got off to a great start and had the bravery to play the long game, which not a lot of people are prepared to do. It paid off for him today. I didn’t do a good enough job of getting the balls close enough in that first end. But tomorrow I’ll bounce back and start again in the Pairs. We’ve got a really good chance in that for a medal.”

Scott misses out on bronze.

Thursday sees the start of the boccia team events. McCowan joins younger brother Jamie and York’s Beth Moulam in a bid for the podium:

“I think we’re definitely one of the favourites to go all the way here. So I think we need to try and keep the performances going.”

And he believes that the sibling players are an advantage:

“It’s great because we have that relationship where a lot of the time we don’t even have to say anything. We know what each other is thinking. We’ve got similar mindsets and personalities. So there’s not a lot that goes on in terms of communication. A lot of the time we just know what we’ve got to do and just get on with it. It’s a good time to have that family relationship and hopefully we can keep that going for tomorrow.”

With boccia given airtime on Channel 4, McCowan is pleased that the sport will grow in profile: 

“One of the wonderful things about Boccia is that there’s a great camaraderie between the players. There aren’t really any egos. Everybody puts in a lot of hard work in their own countries and they come here for the sport. I think you see that today on finals day. Everybody gets a lot of congratulations and good luck messages from other players. There’s not really a nasty side to boccia. It’s just pure sport in its finest and hopefully more people will get to experience that.”

Boccia UK Performance Director Helen Nicholls said:

"Scott is such a credit to our team and to Boccia UK. He has played incredibly here in Tokyo and we are so proud. He was unlucky to miss out on bronze today but this game is won and lost literally by millimetres. We look forward to seeing him back in action in the Pairs."

Smith going for gold and McCowan for bronze

British boccia star David Smith MBE will be going for gold tomorrow after he today battled past his opponents at the Ariake Arena.

With four medals from across three Paralympics, Smith has jointly held the honour of Britain’s most highly decorated boccia player with Nigel Murray since Rio 2016. But tomorrow’s final now ensures he take on the sole mantle.

David Smith is now the best British boccia player of all time.

Smith, the defending BC1 champion who has sported a striking red and blue Mohican in Tokyo, will face Malaysia’s Chew Wei Lun after today outwitting Jose Carlos Chagas de Oliveira of Brazil 7-4. It was the second boccia masterclass of the day after the man from Eastleigh – who now lives in Swansea – overcame the World number two Witsanu Huadpradit of Thailand.

“He was getting in quickly which made it difficult for me but I was able to whack it open. It hasn’t sunk in yet but I am now the most successful British player of all-time. I haven’t played Wei Lun before but he’s a tidy player. I’m looking forward to that!”

Smith was keen to credit the support of UK Sport and the National Lottery:

“With Britain winning a medal at the Beijing Games, boccia was transformed in the UK massively. UK Sport and the National Lottery got on board and we got professionalised. We now have some of the best physios in the world in my opinion and brilliant support. It has changed my life.”

Meanwhile, Britain also has medal hopes for Dundonald’s Scott McCowan who will tomorrow fight it out for bronze with Australia’s Daniel Michel.  The BC3 player – whose ramp assistant is his father, Gary - has had a terrific run in Tokyo but his dreams of making it through to the finals were today ended in a dramatic tiebreak with World Champion Greg Polychronidis of Greece.

Earlier in the day, the Scotsman stormed through the quarter-finals with a cool, calm 9-1 victory over Brazil’s Evelyn de Oliveira;

“This is the best I’ve played in any tournament but ultimately it just wasn’t enough today. I’ll come back fighting tomorrow and if I can put in the same level of performance, I should be able to get that medal.”

Scott McCowan with Dad Gary in the semi-finals

Smith and McCowan into quarter finals

World number one David Smith charged into the quarter finals of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games after today eliminating Japan’s Takumi Nakamura with an 11-1 victory.

After losing yesterday’s match, it was a crucial game for Smith for who needed to top Pool A to qualify for the knockout stages:

“It was an important match. If I won, I was through. If I lost, I’d be out. I played it a bit safe probably but I did the job and I’m through to the next round.

David Smith on day 3 of the boccia tournament.

“Thanks to everybody back home. I know they were watching this morning. I hope I’ve been entertaining enough for them. And thanks to the National Lottery for supporting all the players.”

He is back on court tomorrow to face Thailand’s Witsanu Huadpradit who won gold at the World Championships in 2018 in the Team event.

Paralympic GB’s Scott McCowan will join Smith in tomorrow’s quarter-finals after beating Australia’s Spencer Cotie 4-3:

“Thankfully, I got the three points in the first end so I got off to a strong start but I really had to dig in on that last end,” said McCowan. “Fortunately, I stopped him taking that last point and I’m delighted. I feel really comfortable and am in the form of my life.”

Tomorrow, the BC3 player will be up against Evelyn de Oliveira. She claimed gold in the BC3 Pairs at Rio 2016.

Meanwhile, younger brother Jamie McCowan is out of the individual competition after losing to Stefania Ferrando of Argentina on tiebreak. But he will be back in action on Thursday in the Pairs event with Scott and Beth Moulam of York who is making her Paralympic debut in Tokyo.

In the BC4 category, Stephen McGuire and Louis Saunders’ efforts to qualify for the quarter finals of the boccia at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games were thwarted. They now turn their attention to Thursday and the start of the Pairs matches:

“We’ve got a great chance in the Pairs,” said McGuire who is captaining the Pairs. “We’ve got Louis and it’s his first Paralympics but he is a great athlete and we’ve got Evie who was in Rio so she’s quite experienced at this level so fingers crossed we can do a bit better in the Pairs.”

In the BC2 category, Will Hipwell and Claire Taggart bowed out of the individuals today. They will now be focussing on joining with David Smith in the BC1/2 Team event.

“The team has been working really hard over the lockdown period. I’m really looking forward to teaming up with Claire and David and seeing how far we can go,” said Hipwell.

Boccia UK Performance Director Helen Nicholls said, “It’s fantastic to be back on court after 20 months and we’re so proud of how the athletes have responded. We have players here – like 19-year-old Louis Saunders – who are making their Paralympic debut in Tokyo. They’re learning and gathering experience that will pay dividends in the future.”

Smith remains confident on day two

Sunday 29 August

British boccia player David Smith MBE remains upbeat despite defeat in his second pool match of the day.

He began the day with a closely fought 4-3 victory over Mauricio Ibarbure of Argentina. But his campaign to defend his individual Paralympic title was later tested when he lost 5-7 to Mexico’s Eduardo Sanchez Reyes.

David Smith MBE in action on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

However, Smith’s chances of qualifying for the quarter final still look promising as Reyes and the remaining player of Pool A, Takumi Nakamura of Japan, have both lost to Qi Zhang. Smith plays his final pool match against Nakamura tomorrow:

“I’m disappointed with that result but overall I’m satisfied with my play today and I’m feeling good. I’m looking forward to competing on the show court tomorrow and I feel ready to attack the knockout stages with all I’ve got!”

Elsewhere, Scott McCowan in the BC3 category is celebrating after his second victory in the pool matches. The player from Dundonald beat Stefania Ferrando of Argentina 6-1.

He now faces Australia’s Spencer Cotie who today beat Scott’s younger brother, Jamie.

“It’s a good start so far,” said Scott. “It’s everything I’d hoped for. Tomorrow will be a tough game because Cotie’s won his two matches as well. That will be the battle to win the group.”

“It’s the first tournament in 20 months for the British boccia squad after months of shielding and lockdowns. Scott is certainly enjoying being back on court:

“It’s amazing to be back playing boccia again at the highest level. Tokyo so far has been everything and more that we wanted. The people are really friendly, the event’s great and well organised.”

Jamie McCowan is now looking ahead to the Pairs event after his 2-5 defeat to the Australian:

“I think I’ve ended my chances of getting through but I’ve got to focus on the Pairs. We’re here for the whole week so I’m trying to put the disappointment aside until the whole tournament finishes. We’ve still got a medal opportunity to go for.”

In the BC4 category, Stephen McGuire of Hamilton, Scotland is feeling more confident after triumphing over Japan’s Shun Esaki 3-2:

“The pressure was on for me to get back to winning ways after losing yesterday’s match. I was also playing the home favourite which is always tough. It was a very difficult match,  a very close match. Hopefully a win tomorrow by three or four points would take me through – that’s the target.

“But it’s a privilege to be here back doing what we love,” added Stephen. “It’s been 20 months since I’ve competed so it’s fantastic to see so many athletes in a great arena. I’m loving it!"

Steph McGuire is victorious in his second pool match at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Nineteen-year-old Louis Saunders is making his Paralympic debut in Tokyo. He is the youngest member of the squad and will be gunning for success at Paris 2024. Today, he was up against Thailand’s Pornchok Larpyen – Rio 2016 double bronze medallist in the BC4 category:

“It was a tight battle at the start. We were both quite nervous and that showed in our execution. I was pleased to get the point on the first end. I dug myself out of that situation well but then I missed too many shots throughout the rest of the game and didn’t dominate in my jack position which I have to do at this level to give these guys a good challenge.”

In the BC2s, Claire Taggart fell to Korea’s Yongjin Lee. Despite leading 2-1 by the end of the third end, Lee scored an extra two points to tip the balance:

“It was so close and well fought. I’m obviously disappointed in the result. There were opportunities I missed. This is my first time competing as an individual at a Paralympic Games and I’m still learning. Tomorrow, I have this opportunity where I don’t think I’ll get through the pool so I’ll be playing with freedom, relax into it and go from there.”

Claire Taggart just misses out in her second pool match at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Paralympic debutante Will Hipwell put up a good fight against the experienced Robert Mezik of Slovakia with a fantastic three points in the third end but lost 3-6:

“It was a really enjoyable game because we went toe to toe with each other and to get the points back in third end and forcing a crucial final end was a really good feeling. Overall, it was a really good game and I ran him close so I’m pleased.

“I now want to take the momentum in tomorrow’s game.”

Solid start for Smith in Tokyo

Britain’s David Smith MBE has made a solid start in his campaign to defend his Paralympic title in Tokyo.

The World no.1 from Eastleigh, who now lives in Swansea, overcame China’s Qi Zhang 7-1 and is now preparing to face Argentina’s Mauricio Ibarbure tomorrow.

“I’m glad to get the first game out of the way,” said Smith. “I had some nervous moments against the same opponent at London 2012 so to get a solid win was great. I’m happy with how I played and excited for the next game.”

David Smith in action on day one of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

After competing against each other in their living room, and later their local church hall, during lockdown, Jamie and Scott McCowan drew each other in their first pool match.

With their parents assisting on the ramps, it was the first time all four members of the McCowan family had appeared together on a Paralympic court.

The brothers got off to a nervous start but settled into the game in the second end. It was older brother Scott, however, who had the upper hand throughout, beating Jamie 7-1.

“I don’t think it’s any different playing your brother than any other opponent when the game’s on,” said Scott. “But when it’s finished and you’ve got the result, it’s obviously disappointing for Jamie. But we just try and give (the match) the respect it deserves. You’ve just got to go out and play your game.”

Jamie revelled in the big moment:

“We’ve never been on a Paralympic court together so it’s a big occasion and the whole build-up to the game was good. Boccia is our life, for the four of us, so to demonstrate that to everybody here was really exciting to be part of.”

The McCowan family after the match which saw the brothers compete against each other.

Meanwhile, Louis Saunders and Will Hipwell can now officially call themselves Paralympians after their first pool matches today.

It was always going to be tough day for Cambridge’s Hipwell in the BC2 category as he was pitted against the powerful Worawut Saengampa of Thailand. Saengampa is world no.1 and became the BC2 World Champion in Liverpool in 2018.

On officially becoming a Paralympian, he said:

“It feels really good. It’s the culmination of so many years’ work. It is a really special feeling.”

Meanwhile, Saunders from Bognor Regis, in the BC4 category was up against Samuel Andrejcik from Slovakia. Ranked no.6 in the world rankings, the Andrejcik won the nation’s first individual medal in boccia at the Paralympic Games by claiming silver at Rio 2016.

Louis said:

“It’s amazing to be able to call myself a Paralympian. I‘m just so proud to represent ParalympicsGB. I’ve been working so hard to try and get onto the squad. Now, I’m here and it’s fantastic.

“It was a great game and Samuel played really well. It was a tight battle but when you have an opportunity, you have to try and seize it and I’ll be taking that into the matches over the next two days.”

Claire Taggart faced Luis Cristaldo from Argentina and is now going to “look at the positives and reset” after a narrow defeat of 2-5:

“It was really tight throughout and either of us could won,” explained the boccia player from Larne, Northern Ireland. “It came down to the last end – really the last couple of balls – but I’m really pleased with how I played. It was a really intense match and obviously the first match back since Covid.

“To actually get on court and feel the buzz again is just amazing and it’s what instils the love in me for this sport.”

It was a tough day too for Stephen McGuire who lost 1-4 to Hong Kong’s Kwan Hang Wong. The Scotsman said:

“Athletes from Hong Kong are always going to provide a tough test. I have to applaud Wong for playing the perfect game. From my perspective, there are positives to take. I created chances but I need to be more clinical with angles. Tomorrow, I play the home nation athlete Esaki so I’m looking forward to an exciting match.”

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Blog: Let the Games begin!

Boccia UK Performance Director Helen Nicholls blogs about why the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games is so meaningful.

And the Games begin!

It’s finally here - the day that so many athletes from so many countries around the globe have been waiting for. The Paralympic flag will be raised and the greatest show on earth will begin.

These Games mean so much to our athletes in Boccia and never more so than in the unique circumstances of 2021. The sport of Boccia lives in the shadows of mainstream sports for most of the Games cycle. The athletes compete fiercely year in and year out on the World Open circuit and battle it out for medals at World and European Championships in deep, competitive fields.

Dressed up on Opening Ceremony day.

There are no easy medals. To even get out of the pool stages is a challenge while the knockout stages are brutal. The Paralympic Games provide the athletes a stage on which they can show the world what Boccia is all about.

It’s not just the sport that nobody knows how to pronounce - or the sport that is ‘similar to boules’. It is the ultimate test of mind over body. The ultimate test of clinical decision making and it is ultimately about elite ability.

Can you deliver the shots you need with pinpoint accuracy when the outcome of the event hangs on you pulling it off?  When the stakes are so high? That’s what we train for day after day and week after week. Who can deliver their best performance, dig deep and raise their level while the pressure builds and builds. That is a Paralympic Champion and that’s when magic happens.

The first day of training was yesterday, 23rd August. There had been no photos or indication of the venue and what it looked like and so it was very exciting to finally get in there and see it in real life. It did not disappoint. It was awesome, inspiring and fantastically laid out.  The courts are the best quality and the Organising Committee has done a great job at ensuring all of the facilities are brilliantly prepared for the Boccia athletes.  The Boccia competition is going to be brilliant. The stage is set and it is going to look magnificent on TV so make sure you tune in!

Ariake Arena

The British team is prepared. We are ready and raring to go. We’d like to say a big thank you  to Paralympics GB - we feel at home in our corner of Tokyo and you could not have done more to make us feel settled and ready to roar!

It is a huge privilege to be at a Paralympic Games and, as I struggled through my morning run today (not easy wearing a mask in 35 degrees!,) I ran past all of the Organising Committee staff walking to their offices. I felt a huge amount of gratitude and respect for their resilience and their commitment to the Paralympics and for not giving up when it could have been the obvious answer so many times over the past two years to cancel the Games. Every single Japanese volunteer has been incredibly friendly, supportive and kind. This nation has won a special place in the heart of every single one of the Boccia athletes and we will never forget, nor underestimate, what they have done for us and our sport by pulling this off.

When the Games open this evening, I may have a little tear of relief, excitement and gratitude to the Japanese people.

Arigato gozaimasu!

Blog: We are ready to shine

Boccia UK Performance Director Helen Nicholls brings us up to speed on the team’s journey to Tokyo, life inside the Athlete Village and Covid safety.

After a fantastic two days at St Georges Park - where we regrouped, rested and prepared for the journey ahead - we found ourselves at Heathrow on Friday 20 August ready to fly to Tokyo.

We don’t travel light!

 A big shout out is needed to British Airways who swiftly escorted us through the airport - and they didn’t faint at the sight of all our luggage! The flight, whilst a long 11 hours, was made easier by our super-duper business class lie-flat beds.

Shout out to British Airways

Boccia team on their way to Tokyo 2020.

As athletes trying to look after their bodies in advance of performing at the greatest show on earth, we decided this was a necessary luxury. For staff and assistants, it also helped to ease into what we know will be an intense three weeks.

Arrival at Japan’s Hanedo Airport was, to put it mildly, a managed and detailed process of station after station of protocols, all manned by incredibly enthusiastic, happy and lovely volunteers.

Then came the Covid-19 test. The culmination and most critical part of the massive process was to spit into a little test-tube and wait for ninety minutes for a negative test result. Once this was achieved, it really did mean you could ‘pass go’ and board the coaches to the Athlete Village.

We arrived at the ParalympicsGB tower at 8pm on Saturday 21 August. The welcome was amazing and the support in getting our kit and apartments ready was world class. The place looks amazing. The rooms are great. Don’t believe any rubbish you hear about the cardboard beds – I am buying one, they are soooo comfy!

The weary team headed to the food hall for dinner and managed to decide between the million different options of what to eat - noodles, pizza, steak, salad, fish, Thai and everything else besides. It is just awesome and the organisers have done a fantastic job of setting it out in a spacious and well-managed way. Its clean, hygienic and well run.

The next day, we received our official welcome from Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe and ensured our logistics are all in place. The team slept well overnight and we had a light session this morning before a bit of equipment preparation and management.

Overall, the Tokyo organisers and Japanese volunteers have so far done an absolutely outstanding job of putting this show on. The village is outstanding - it looks good, it feels good and it is good! In terms of Covid safety, every single measure you could imagine is being taken to keep everyone safe. You need gloves before you touch anything in the dining room, there are wash stations and hand sanitisers everywhere and they are very well used.

As I write this, I can see the sun beaming over the rainbow bridge on the Tokyo skyline and we are certainly ready to shine on this amazing stage that is the Paralympic Games.

Agitos in Tokyo.

Q&A with Beth Moulam

How did you first start playing boccia?

When I was 10, I was asked to play by the local council in the Surrey Youth Games. I’d never heard of the sport before. I only had a thirty minutes of practice before the competition day!  But it was brilliant and I was hooked.

What is your advice for someone starting out in the sport?

Boccia is a great way to make friends and have fun.  Try and find a club in your local community or school and enjoy playing. 

Summarise your greatest achievements…

Being selected for the Paralympic Games!

Away from boccia, I have achieved a 1st in my Social Policy degree from the University of York. I also use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) - like Stephen Hawking - and I have done a lot of public speaking and presentations around the world on the subject.

What are you looking forward to most about Tokyo?

Being on the international stage. Being part of the GB Boccia Squad and supporting my team mates on and off court.

Meeting athletes in other sports who are likeminded that they too have worked hard for many years to earn their place at the Paralympics.

Beth Moulam with assistant Christie Hutchings. Credit: GettyImages.

What’s your favourite Paralympic memory?

I was six years old at the time of the Sydney 2000 Paralympics. I watched Caroline Baird win gold in the 400m and silver in the 100m. She had Cerebal Palsy and was interviewed on TV and spoke like me.  I knew if she could be an athlete so could I.  I immediately wrote to her (I didn’t know her address but the postman took care of that) and I had a reply two weeks later.  We met and are still friends today.

What are you looking forward to most about Tokyo?

Being on the international stage. Being part of the GB Boccia squad and supporting my team-mates on and off the court.

I’m looking forward to meeting other athletes from other sports who are likeminded. They too have worked hard for many years to earn their place at the Paralympics.

What do people need to excel in the sport?

Commitment and determination to succeed, but you need to enjoy it too. 

Practice pays off and you need to have a support team that want you to succeed. They will be your biggest fans and cheerleaders - getting you to training regularly, acting as an assistant, referee or coach for your own training and being there for competitions. 

Having a positive mindset is essential, wanting to succeed and not being afraid of taking risks. You need to be resilient with knock backs and be able to get up to go again. 

Outside of boccia, what do you enjoy doing?

Public speaking! I first spoke at an international conference at the age of 12. It was amazing because people chose to come and listen, asked questions afterwards and sought me out afterwards to talk to me.  It was the first time I felt valued and respected for the hard work it is to use AAC.

I also enjoy crafting using a cricut machine.

Anything else we should know?

I might be an individual BC3 athlete, but I am part of a team with my sports assistant.  We are a unit both on and off court and I could not do what I do without the unstinting support of Christie. She helps me to dress, eat, shower, ensures we get to places on time and then she becomes a super-human robot on court being effective and efficient as a ramp assistant so we can achieve together

Read more about the GB Boccia Squad. If you have been inspired to play boccia, take a look at our Athlete Recruitment.

Meet the McCowans

Tokyo 2020 will be a family affair for the McCowans. Brothers Scott and Jamie will be joined on court at the Ariake Centre by their parents Gary and Linda who are both ramp assistants.

They managed to find some time between packing kitbags to catch up with us!

How does it feel to be going to Tokyo?

Gary: I didn’t think Scott and I would get to Tokyo. He has more health issues than the rest of the team and he hadn’t competed in some of the big events before lockdown. But in the Czech Republic, he won the singles and pairs and has become a very prominent player in the squad. But there has been really tough competition for spots in the BC3s so we didn’t expect to be selected.

Linda: This will be the first ever Games when we will all be on court together. Previously, the rules meant that Jamie and Scott (who have Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy) could only be on court with a player who has Cerebral Palsy. That’s changed now. I think too that we are the first family of four all going to a Paralympic Games so that’s pretty special.

It must have been a nervous wait to find out if you had made the team?

Linda: It was a relief that both the boys had been selected. But it has happened before – in London 2012, Scott went but Jamie didn’t. And then at the World Championships in 2018, Jamie was selected but Scott wasn’t.

Gary: It was surreal; I was in shock. We got the call first for Jamie. He was a bit cheeky and asked who else had been selected but Helen Nicholls, the Performance Director, said: “I can’t reveal that but can I speak to Scott?” I couldn’t really hear anything she said other than that he was selected. It was a blur and Scott was speechless.

It must be so exciting to be going to the Games as a family?

Linda: I just wish we’d been able to read a story like ours when our boys were first diagnosed (with Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy) in 1997. When we were first told, everything seemed so negative. All our dreams had been taken away in that moment, But we decided that we would do everything possible to give them a good life and boccia has done that. If someone had told me back in 1997 that we’d all be going to Tokyo for the Paralympics, I wouldn’t have believed it.

Gary: I remember that week when we found out and thinking, “what on earth are we going to do?” We felt totally helpless. But we’ve all been on some journey. We have been in every corner of the world with boccia. It is such an incredible sport. Scott can only move his head, his fingers and his toes. To think that he will be in Tokyo, competing at the very top of his sport….it’s amazing.

Gary with Scott

It's certainly been a strange Games cycle. How was lockdown for you?

Linda: For nine months, the boys played in the living room. Once restrictions eased, we were lucky enough to have sole use of the local church hall which was really safe.

But lockdown was difficult. We had no care for nine months. We had no face to face physiotherapy either so we had to learn how to do all of that and do it on a weekly or twice a week basis – as well as running the house and cooking and so on.

I heard it got quite competitive in lockdown?

Gary: We played a family championships in the living room. I am really bad at losing. I would be in a seriously bad mood if we lost! We all get really competitive!

What is the position of a ramp assistant? What does it involve?

Gary: On court, you are almost like a caddy. But we are not permitted to see what’s happening on court. We have to face the other way. The player is allowed to give you instructions but we’re not allowed to talk. Even if we think they have made a mistake, we have to go along with it and we are not allowed to say anything.

Linda: But the work doesn’t stop there. Off court, you need to provide care for the whole competition – it’s a 24 hour job. Sometimes, the boys might need help to turn over in the night but the buzz of getting back on court the following morning makes it all worthwhile.

Linda with Jamie

How did you decide the pairings?

Gary: So I pair up with Scott and Linda pairs up with Jamie but we never really made a conscious decision to do it like that. When Scott first started playing with the Scotland squad, you had to make your own ramps. I worked in a steelworks and I made Scott’s first three ramps. So I knew how they worked and if there was a problem, I’d be able to sort it.

Linda: Also, you and Scott click together really well as you’re both a bit quieter. Jamie and I are perhaps a bit more outgoing?

Tell us about the McCowan roar…

Linda: They both shout on court and if they’re not shouting, we know it’s not going well.

Gary: if you’re playing singles, we might be at different ends of the hall. But if things are in a tight spot and maybe not going so well, it gives us a real lift to hear Jamie shout – and vice versa.

What happens if they play against each other?

Linda: They shout even louder! We are kind of used to playing each other. I think it’s worse for people watching. But that’s what we are there to do and we have to get on with it.

Gary: Saying that, it’s great that we get to play Pairs. Scott and Jamie are so close and they know each other so well. It means that communication is really easy for them and they trust each other completely.

Boccia is easier than it looks isn’t it?

Gary: You walk into a competition and it might look easy but there is so much to it. It isn’t just a case of rolling the ball on the jack. You might want to leave a 30 or 20cm clearance to make your opponent’s next shot harder. It’s like a game of chess; you constantly need to be thinking two or three shots ahead. It’s mentally exhausting because you are analysing all the different scenarios of how the game could go.

Presumably packing for Tokyo isn’t just a case of packing a bag. What does it involve?

Linda: For a start, we have four lots of packing! On top of that, we have medical equipment such as hoists, ventilators and pressure relief air mattresses.

There are lists everywhere in my house. I have lists of lists – I’m the one who organises everything!

Gary: Once we land and get to the village and all our cases have arrived, we breathe a sigh of relief. It’s not just a case of being able to pick up medical equipment in Japan so we take a spare of everything.

What would you say to other parents who are considering becoming a ramp assistant?

Linda: Often, ramp assistants tend to be a family member. A player needs reliability for their whole care. You need the right people there.

Gary: It’s hard work though. You have to be so committed to do the thing right. You can’t be half-hearted. Anyone taking it on needs to throw everything into it and focus on it.

What do you love about boccia?

Linda: I love competing with my family in the most inclusive high level sport there is. Boccia has kept them so well mentally and physically and to make the Paralympic Games again as a family is something very special.

Gary: I don’t think folk realise what an incredible sport boccia is – it is the most inclusive sport on the planet. And we love it!

Q&A with David Smith MBE

He is one of Britain’s most decorated boccia players ever having won four medals from across three Paralympics. It is an honour he shares with Nigel Murray who retired from the sport after the Rio Paralympics in 2016.

He is triple crown winner which means he is currently Paralympic, World and European Champion.

We caught up with him before he heads off to Tokyo.

David, how was lockdown for you?

Lockdown has sharpened my focus. It’s given me a chance to reflect on my personal life and reset my goals. I have managed to improve my fitness and nutrition beyond recognition. I have met some fantastic people virtually and I am able to give back to the community in a small way by working part-time as a lifestyle coach.

How does it feel to be back playing again with the squad?

It was like I’d never been away! I found my old competitive spark plus a bit more!

Going into Tokyo 2020 as Paralympic, World and European Champion, does that add pressure? How do you cope?

It doesn’t add pressure for me personally because I’ve been reigning Champion at big tournaments before. But I suppose it does increase other people’s expectations.

David Smith MBE in training at St George’s Park. Credit: @GettyImages

You like playing to a crowd don’t you? How will it feel in Tokyo do you think?

I do prefer a crowd because it just makes the sport more enjoyable but I’m used to creating my own atmosphere at the numerous competitions we have without crowds.

What would a medal mean to you in this Games cycle which has seen so much disruption?

It would be fantastic after five years of hard work and it may also help encourage more people into this sport.

Who are the Ones to Watch within the British squad?

I think we have a strong squad across all the categories. Steph McGuire is a former World Champion and Jamie McCowan is a former European Champion. If we all peak at the same time, it could be a significant medal haul for the squad.

What are you looking forward to most about Tokyo?

I think I’m most looking forward to putting on a show for the world. This pandemic has been tough on so many people. However, if me and my rivals can play high intensity, entertaining Boccia, I hope we can inspire the next generation to start playing and dream of a brighter future.

Who inspires you?

The one person that inspires me the most is my Grandad. Everything I have achieved happened after he passed away in 2005. He was the first person to understand me and many of my life choices are inspired by his memory. 

David Smith in action

Read more about the GB Boccia Squad. If you have been inspired to play boccia, take a look at our Athlete Recruitment.

Q&A with Steph McGuire

Stephen McGuire is a BC4 athlete and will be heading to the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Paralympics this summer.

Known as Steph, the proud Scot is Mr Strategy. His experience and skills makes him a knowledgeable and supportive captain of the BC4 Pair which is also made up of Evie Edwards and Louis Saunders.

He is a former World Individual Champion, former European Individual Champion and 13 times British Champion.

We tracked him down to chat Formula 1, why boccia is the best sport ever and lockdown training.

How did you first start playing boccia?

I started playing in 2005 when I was introduced to the sport by a lady called Jacqueline Lynn. My dream was to attend the Paralympics and she was then the GB Coach, so I was fortunate to meet her.

How did you cope with training at home during lockdown?

Training from home was good for me. It gave me time to refocus and rebuild. I have created a home-based gym and got in better condition than pre-lockdown. After 17 seasons of chasing the next event, it has given me a chance to reflect and understand what I want in Tokyo and post Paralympic Games.

The funniest experience of training at home came when I was seeking a space to throw. As I live in apartments, I started throwing over the garden wall and before I knew it all my neighbours were on their balconies shouting support and taking bets on whether I would hit the target or not. It created a much-needed break from the news and I gave them something to enjoy!

 What do people need to excel in the sport?

Boccia is the world’s most inclusive sport. Whatever your ability, you can compete on a level playing field. Boccia is a strategic, highly tactical, precision sport based on solid fundamentals of delivering a ball. If you like watching snooker, bowls or curling, if you enjoy playing chess or other strategic board games…then Boccia would be a good fit for you.

 What are the benefits of boccia?

Boccia is a sport which has many physical benefits. I have a muscle wasting condition and, through actively playing boccia for 17 years, I have slowed down this deterioration. As well as physical benefits there is also a great social element to the sport. I have met friends around the world who will be friends forever.

Why do you love boccia?

I’ve always had a competitive nature and boccia provides me with that outlet. Every match is different and every ball thrown can change a match. It is this requirement of high skill level and the ability to change matches which makes boccia an attractive sport for many.

To have the ability to compete for your country at elite level has always been my dream. To find a sport like Boccia which has enabled me to achieve my dream…well, it makes every day enjoyable and purposeful,

Outside of boccia, what do you enjoy doing?

If I am not training or competing, I tend to go and watch Glasgow Celtic Football Club.  I have been a season ticket holder for well over a decade. I love watching Formula 1; more for the strategy behind each race than the race itself.

Tell us something that not many people know about you…

My other passions are business and charity. I achieved an Honours Degree in Retail Management at Glasgow Caledonian University. I’m a proud ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy UK Charity which fights to find cures for muscle wasting conditions.

Anything else we should know?

I’m one of three brothers so competition is high between us. My older brother Pete, has been involved in Boccia as a player and now as a coach. My younger brother Ciaran will be one to watch on the TV as he studies at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).

 Read more about the GB Boccia Squad. If you have been inspired to play boccia, take a look at our Athlete Recruitment.