Truro and Penwith College’s Boccia Team are heading to Sheffield for the England National Championships after a final win against reigning champions of three years, Brimsham School.

Foundation students competed with teams from all over the South West for the chance to represent the region in the National finals.

Boccia is a sport of precision, similar to bowls or bocce. All events are played in mixed teams, and the sport was originally designed for individuals with cerebral palsy, but is now suitable with other severe or non-severe disabilities too. The aim of the game is to throw leather balls as close to the target ball as possible.

The college has been preparing for the competition throughout their diverse timetable, with sessions in sport and linking that in with the Health and Wellbeing Programme ‘Fit for College: Fit for Life’.

Truro College’s squad of five students won three of their five group matches beating Cornwall College, St Leanards and Queen Elizabeth’s School Dorset.

Truro qualified for the final against Brimsham School, a team who have reached the National Championships for the past three consecutive years. The students played brilliantly in the final with some fantastic shots and accuracy to beat Brimsham School. The final score was 6-2 to the college.

The squad will now go on to represent the South West region later in May and are thoroughly looking forward to the experience of a National event.

Kelly Wilson, Foundation Studies tutor stated, “The students have worked incredibly hard to prepare for this tournament. It has made a huge difference to their confidence and has given them the opportunity to access community activities more frequently in the future."