But what is boccia? Here’s everything you need to know about this lesser-known but highly strategic and tactical precision ball sport, and how athletes with severe physical disabilities have showcased skill, accuracy and determination since the sport’s Paralympic debut in 1984.

What is boccia and how is it played?

While boccia is played competitively across 75 countries registered as members of the Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed), the official governing body of the sport, it still remains one of the least well-known Paralympic events.

Boccia, which means “bowl” in Italian, features some of the most disabled athletes at the Paralympic Games. The sport was initially designed for athletes suffering from cerebral palsy, a movement disorder that affects one’s ability to maintain balance and posture. Today, it is played by those who have any type of neurological impairment affecting their motor function.

The game is played on a flat, smooth indoor surface the size of a badminton court. From a seated position, players throw a total of six balls (red or blue-coloured) as close as possible to a white marker ball, known as the “jack”. Two sides compete as individuals, pairs or as a team of three through a set number of “ends” (four for individuals and pairs, six in team play).

After each end, the athlete, pair or team with the ball closest to the jack earns a point. Additional points are given for each ball closer to the jack than their opponent’s. An end is completed once all balls from both sides have been thrown, after which the total points scored at each end are tallied to determine a final score.

Balls can be rolled down an inclined ramp, thrown or even kicked. For athletes that are physically unable to release the ball with their hands, they can opt for assistive devices such as a head or hand pointer. Players must also pass a roll test prior to the start of a match.

What is the history of boccia?

Boccia is a game of precision, focus and accuracy. It is a complex and technical sport where athletes employ a great degree of both physical coordination and mental foresight. The sport has its roots in ancient Greece and is thought to be one of the first competitive games played by mankind, where people would throw large stones at a small target. Similar games were also played in the Middle Ages and in ancient Egypt.

It made its Paralympic debut at the 1984 Paralympic Games in New York City, where 19 athletes representing five countries (Canada, Denmark, Great Britain, Portugal and the United States) competed. Unofficial boccia competitions are sometimes played by able-bodied athletes as well.

How are boccia players classified in the Paralympics?

In 2007, a classification system was introduced to distinguish boccia athletes according to the severity of their disabilities. These categories include BC1, BC2, BC3 and BC4.

Athletes in the BC1 category have severe activity limitations affecting their arms, legs and trunk, and are often dependent on a powered wheelchair. Players can release the ball with their hand or foot and may ask for a sport assistant to adjust their positions. BC2 athletes typically have better arm and trunk function compared to those in BC1, and are able throw the ball overhand or underhand.

In class BC3, players have severe limitations in both arm and leg functions, as well as poor trunk control. Athletes are unable to grip or release the ball into the field of play with their hands, and are permitted to use an inclined ramp with the help of a sport assistant.

The final class, BC4, consists of athletes with non-cerebral impairments that also impact their coordination. Possible health conditions include progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass, as well as injuries to the spinal cord and amputations affecting all four limbs. Athletes use a pendulum swing to throw the ball with both hands or arms, and are given gloves to sustain their grip of the ball.

Boccia is played in mixed individual, pair and team competitions. This year’s Paralympic Games will headline four individual mixed matches for each of the four athlete classifications, followed by BC1 and BC2 competing in team play and BC3 and BC4 playing in paired tournaments.