ActivLives held another very successful Inclusive Boccia Tournament recently in Ipswich. The tournament which attracted 40, mostly Suffolk-based competitors, included three divisions of athletes with an intellectual disability. The standard of boccia played was excellent, although, as ever, it was the great atmosphere in the hall throughout the day which will last longest in the memory. This event provided some of the competitors an opportunity to help prepare for the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games, being held in August in Birmingham.

Many thanks to all of the great volunteers from ActivLives and Special Olympics Suffolk, who made this event such a success.

ActivLives are very grateful to their delivery partners Special Olympics Suffolk, and to Special Olympics GB, Sport England and Ipswich Borough Council, for their continued support with these events.

From April onwards, Special Olympics Suffolk will take the lead from ActivLives in delivering these inclusive boccia (and badminton) events. ActivLives will however, continue to support Special Olympics Suffolk in promoting and developing inclusive sport.   

If you would like to find out more about how to get involved with boccia, the world’s most inclusive sport, please contact ActivLives on 01473 345350 or email mike.inclusivesport@btinternet.com

Our very own badminton and sports coach, Mike McCarthy chatted to Gaby Roslin on the BBC radio programe ‘Making a Difference’ on Sunday about inclusive sporting activities for disabled people in Suffolk. He explained that mainstream sports aren’t accessible for all and that there are a lack of sporting opportunities for people with learning disabilities particularly when they leave school. You can find the recording on BBC Sounds at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002qb65  (around 31 minutes into the program)

As you know, Mike is the SO Suffolk badminton and boccia coach. He trains regularly every week and gets the best out of all participants. With the help from a trusty group of volunteers, Mike organises and hosts two badminton and boccia tournaments in Suffolk every year. He recently won a well deserved 2025 BBC Radio Suffolk Make a Difference Award for his work promoting inclusive sports for people with disabilities across Suffolk. He was recognised for leading weekly sports sessions, managing inclusive tournaments and using physical activity to improve community lives.

Huge congratulations, Mike from all at SO Suffolk!