29 Jul 2024

Redcliffe Homes back Boccia club near Bristol

We are proud to have sponsored new team tournament hoodies for GEM Boccia Club, based at Yate Leisure Centre, and players have already been wearing them with pride.

The club was formed in 2017 by elite player and England international Georgina Moore and her efforts in setting it up earned her the BBC South West Sports Personality of the Year unsung Hero Award in 2019.

Boccia is a fully-inclusive paralympic sport, similar to bowls. The aim is for players, who must be seated, to get their coloured balls closest to the Jack ball, through throwing, kicking or propelling them down a ramp.

GEM Boccia Club has more than 20 members aged between 14 and their 50s, with a range of different disabilities.

Georgina said: “I set the club up after I struggled to attend the nearest Boccia club to me, as it was over half an hour away.

“I wanted to start playing myself after seeing Boccia at the 2016 Paralympic Games. I realised there wasn’t a club in my local community but I believed there was a demand for it.”

She added: “We get no financial help from anywhere, which is why we have to charge members £3 weekly subs, which we keep as low as possible, to cover the court costs.

“Funding for extras, like kit and equipment, all has to be generated from donations or sponsorship, which can be a struggle to find because it takes a lot of time and effort.

“One set of balls can cost £250 and most of our members are from disadvantaged backgrounds and can’t afford to spend much.

“The generous sponsorship from Redcliffe Homes for our hoodies means our members can wear them at all competitions. They also wear them most weeks to club, as they absolutely love them!

“GEM Boccia Club would like to say a huge thank you to Redcliffe Homes; we are so grateful for their continued support which contributes massively to the club’s success.”

Mandy Parker, Sales Manager at Redcliffe Homes said: “Georgina is an inspiring individual who does so much to help others, it’s an absolute privilege to be able to support GEM Boccia Club.

“I’ve seen for myself the enjoyment club members get from being part of the very welcoming organisation. As well as offering opportunities for them to play competitive sport on a level playing field, there are all sorts of social and mental health benefits, too.

“The club is well-named because it truly is a gem within the community, and we’re delighted to be able to support Georgina and her fellow Boccia players and are proud to be associated with them.”

GEM Boccia Club meets every Tuesday between 4pm and 6pm at Yate Leisure Centre (except during summer and Christmas holidays) and Georgina would love to hear from anyone else interested in sponsoring them – or who would like to volunteer a little time to help run the weekly sessions.

Anyone interested in finding out more can visit the club’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/gembocciaclub to find out more.

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