Boccia was introduced to the Paralympic programme at the New York and Stoke Mandeville 1984 Games. Believed to have Ancient Greek origins, it is a target sport that tests both muscle control and accuracy. Similar to boules or petanque, it is played on a rectangular court by individuals, pairs and teams, and sees athletes aim to land their balls close to a target ball, across a series of demanding ends. At the close of each end, the athlete, pair or team whose ball is closest to the jack scores one point, and receives an additional point for every ball that sits closer to the jack than the opposition’s closest ball. Individual and Pairs matches consist of four ends, while Team events are held over six ends.

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