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.
National Team
Kalvin Blauert
Tony Blauert (Ramp Operator)
Henry Sawyer
Nick Taylor
Development Team
Daniel Castillo
Angelina Randez (Ramp Operator)
Michele Lynch
Cassie Mitchell
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
- Boccia United States 2023 Parapan American Games Athlete and Staff Selection Procedures Amendment Approval
- Boccia United States Athlete Selection Procedures Parapan American Games, Santiago 2023
- Boccia United States Staff Selection Procedures Parapan American Games, Santiago 2023
- Lakeshore National Adapted Sports Organization (LNASO) Board Meeting Minutes (December 2022)
- Lakeshore National Adapted Sports Organization (LNASO) Bylaws (2022)
- Lakeshore National Adapted Sports Organization (LNASO) Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies
- Conflict of Interest Policy for the Lakeshore Foundation National Adapted Sport Organization (LNASO)
- Criminal Background Check Policy for the Lakeshore Foundation National Adapted Sport Organization
- Lakeshore National Adapted Sport Organization (LNASO) Complaint Procedures for National or U.S. Paralympic Teams
- Whistleblower Policy
- Gifts and Entertainment Policy
- How to Report a Concern
- Revised Safe Sport Policy (December 2020)
