Disability History Month is observed annually from November 14 to December 14 in the UK, is a time to celebrate the achievements of disabled people, raise awareness about the social model of disability, and teach empathy and inclusion. Taking part in inclusive sporting activities helps to show that people are not disabled by their impairments, but by the physical and social barriers they face. Historically, disabled people have struggled against inequality, inaccessibility and their rights to participate have been denied.

Here at Special Olympics Suffolk, we value our athletes who are disabled, we treat them with dignity and respect. We celebrate their achievements and support them to participate in sporting activities and encourage them to adopt more healthy lifestyles by being more active.

Special Olympics Suffolk delivery partner, ActivLives, recently hosted a Boccia Leaders Course for 18 new leaders in Ipswich. The course, which is accredited by Boccia England, was supported by the Special Olympics GB Coaching Fund. The training was attended by a wide range of candidates, including new and existing volunteers, as well as local boccia players. 

“This course has been a great example of local and national providers working together to bring some much needed leadership training to Suffolk, in this most inclusive of sports”, said Mike McCarthy, Course Tutor. “We have had some brilliant feedback from participants, with some great ideas about how they can now make use of their new boccia skills and knowledge”.

If you would like to know more about boccia in Suffolk, please contact mike@activlives.org.uk or call ActivLives on 01473 345350.