Boccia United States

Six adults (three using manual wheelchairs and three standing behind them) pose for a group photo in front of a backdrop with the WorldBoccia logo on it.

Lakeshore is proud to be the National Governing Body of Boccia United States. Since Boccia’s introduction as a Paralympic sport in 1984, the United States has won seven medals.

2023 Parapan American Games

Qualified by name per BISFed Boccia Individual World Ranking List Allocation method

Nick Taylor (BC4)

Natalie Chastain (BC3)

Nominated by Boccia United States for Bipartite Commission Invitation slots via Bipartite Commission Invitation Allocation method

Kalvin Blauert (pair BC3)

Cassie Mitchell (pair BC4)

Michele Lynch (individual, BC2)

Athletes selected by IPC and BISFed for Bipartite Commission Invitation slots via Bipartite Commission Invitation Allocation method for qualification

Michele Lynch (individual, BC2)

 

Boccia United States is pleased to announce the 2024 National and Development Team.  The 2024 selection process included a three-day selection camp at Lakeshore Foundation September 28-30, 2023.

2024 National Team

Nick Taylor (BC4)
Cassie Mitchell (BC4)
Daniel Castillo (BC3)
Angelina Randez (ramp operator)
Kalvin Blauert (BC3)
Tony Blauert (ramp operator)

2024 Development Team

Wyatt Struxness (BC1)
Michele Lynch (BC2)
Henry Sawyer (BC4)
Fawad Zakai (BC3)
Mohammad Zakai (ramp operator)
Natalie Chastain (BC3)
Rebecca Prince (ramp operator)

Staff

Dr. Kathy Brinker, High Performance Consultant
Jeremy Finton, Coach
Sam Williams, Coach

About Boccia

The modern day version of Boccia was developed as a competitive sport for individuals with cerebral palsy but has since expanded to include any athlete with a severe disability which requires the use of a wheelchair. The sport made its Paralympic debut in 1984, with a total of 19 athletes representing five countries and is now practiced in over 50 countries today. The sport can be played indoors or outdoors on a smooth, flat surface. Athletes take turns throwing or rolling colored balls (red or blue) as close to a white target ball (the “jack”) as possible. The athlete, pair or team with the most balls closest to the jack wins. To learn more, visit www.worldboccia.com or watch this video.

Boccia athletes can compete individually, in pairs or in teams of three and are assigned one of four sport classes based on their functional ability:

  • BC1 athletes have severe activity limitations affecting their legs, arms and trunk, and typically dependent on a powered wheelchair.
  • BC2 players have better trunk and arm function than those in class BC1. The abilities of their arms and hands often allow them to throw the ball overhand and underhand and with a variety of grasps.
  • BC3 class athletes have significant limitations in arm and leg functions, and poor or no trunk control. They are unable to consistently grasp or release the ball and are unable to propel the ball consistently into the field of play and allowed to use a ramp with the help of a Sport Assistant.
  • BC4 class contains players with non-cerebral impairments that also impact their co-ordination.

Interested in learning more about the sport and Boccia United States? Contact High Performance Consultant Dr. Kathy Brinker.

Official Procedures and Documents