Boccia programme is given a vital 
funding lifeline

Disability Sport NI was being forced to cut a range of its sports programmes because of reductions in Sport NI funding, but now thanks to the support of local charity, JT Inspires the Northern Ireland Boccia Programme has been saved.

The JT Inspires Trust, which was set up in memory of Jonathan Tate has stepped in to fund the programme which provides much needed sports opportunities for people with physical disabilities throughout Northern Ireland. Jonathan Tate tragically passed away in October 2012, two days after his twenty second birthday because of multiple organ failure following heart transplant surgery.

Boccia is a bowling game which can be played by a range of people with disabilities and is also played by people with high levels of physical disability at a Paralympic level.

The Northern Ireland Boccia programme funded by JT Inspires will provide a range of opportunities for people to participate and compete in the sport and will benefit around 250 people with disabilities this year.

Alan Tate, Director of JT Inspires said, “We are delighted to be able to help other people with disabilities and health conditions through fitness initiatives.”

The programme funding was announced as part of the Boccia League day event which was held at Craigavon Leisure Centre on Saturday.