In anticipation of the 2024 World Cups, Boccia UK has made a strategic decision to enhance their training and competition venue with world class Taraflex® Evolution sports flooring. This choice underscores the importance of high-quality, durable surfaces in the world of competitive sports.

Taraflex® Evolution, provided by Gerflor, is renowned for its versatility across various sports and leisure activities, making it an excellent choice for Boccia UK’s diverse needs. The flooring’s benefits, such as comfort, safety, and a specialised surface treatment for easy maintenance and optimal performance, align with the rigorous demands of elite boccia players.

This collaboration with Gerflor not only prepares Boccia UK for the upcoming global events but also sets a new standard in the sporting community for facilities that prioritise athlete welfare and performance. The end result, 450m2 Taraflex® installed in Mint Green, a major transformation to their facilities, a world class indoor sports surface…

…it’s where champions begin, learn, train and play!

Boccia stands out as a paragon of inclusivity in sports, designed to accommodate athletes with high support needs. It is a precision ball sport, similar to bocce, that is contested at local, national, and international levels, including the Paralympic Games. Players deliver soft leather balls with the goal of getting closest to a white target ball, or jack. The sport demands strategic thinking, precision, and teamwork, making it not only a test of physical skill but also of mental acuity. Its accessibility allows people of all abilities to compete on an equal footing, promoting social integration and fostering a sense of community and equality. This makes Boccia not just a competitive sport but also a powerful tool for education and social change, especially within school environments where inclusivity is paramount. The game’s simplicity in design belies the complexity of the tactics involved, offering a rich and rewarding experience for all participants.

Boccia is a remarkable example of an inclusive activity that has adapted over time to embrace a wider range of participants. Initially designed for athletes with cerebral palsy, it now offers people with various disabilities the opportunity to compete. The use of ramps and head pointers allows players who cannot throw or kick a ball to participate fully in the sport. With the assistance of a ramp assistant, players can strategically position and propel the ball, aiming for accuracy on the court. This evolution of the sport underscores the importance of adaptability and inclusivity in athletic activities, ensuring everyone has the chance to engage in competitive play and enjoy the camaraderie and challenges of sports.

Boccia, as mentioned is a sport that demands precision, strategy, and control, has seen a remarkable surge in popularity, becoming the fastest-growing disability sport globally. Its roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations, evolving through time to become the sophisticated game it is today. The British Boccia squad’s recent success at the World Boccia Championships in Rio, where they secured a gold and two silver medals, is a testament to the skill and dedication of the players. This sport not only challenges the athletes physically but also mentally, as they must carefully plan each move to place their coloured balls near the white target ball, or “jack.” The game’s inclusive nature allows for individual, pair, or team participation, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of players.

With over 54,000 people playing in England alone, Boccia’s impact on physical and mental well-being is significant, with many players reporting improved confidence and quality of life. As the sport continues to grow, it fosters a competitive yet supportive community that celebrates the achievements of athletes with disabilities on an international stage.

Boccia UK, established in 2007, plays a crucial role in the development and success of athletes in the sport. Through the World Class Programme (WCP), funded by UK Sport, Boccia UK supports athletes in their training and competition needs. The WCP is instrumental in preparing players for major international events, including World Cups, European Championships, and World Championships, ensuring that athletes have the resources and support necessary to compete at the highest levels.

Greg Baker – Boccia UK’s Performance Director said, “We are now finishing our season and gearing up for a full calendar of events next year, in which the squad are all aiming to build up ranking points.”

On the association with Gerflor, Baker added, “We have managed to agree a partnership with Gerflor who are providing us with their Elite Performance sports flooring at our training camps in Glasgow. What is important for us, is that it’s the same flooring that will be used as the playing surface at all the major sporting events we will be attending, around the world in 2024.”

It is clearly evident that this partnership between Boccia UK and Gerflor has marked a significant step in the preparation for upcoming major sporting events. By securing Gerflor’s Elite Performance Sports flooring for their training camps in Glasgow, Boccia UK athletes can train on the same high-quality surfaces they will compete on globally in 2024. This consistency is crucial for athletes to perform at their best, as it allows them to become accustomed to the playing surface, reducing the potential for surprises during competition and enhancing their overall preparedness for the challenges ahead. The collaboration underscores the commitment to providing athletes with top-tier facilities that mirror the conditions of the world’s most prestigious tournaments.

Commenting on the project David Carter Gerflor National Sales Manager, Sports Flooring said, “Funded by Sport England, we have agreed to supply our world class Taraflex® Evolution sports flooring to Boccia UK for their training camps in Scotland. This is precisely the surface on which the team will compete on across all the significant sporting occasions in 2024”.

Claire Taggart from Larne in Northern Ireland and David Smith OBE who lives in Swansea, are both currently world number ones. David Smith is Britain’s best ever Boccia player and is known for his colourful blue and red dyed haircuts. They also came together with another topflight player- Will Hipwell to compete as the BC1/2 Team winning silver at the World Championships in 2022.

Claire Taggart commented, “Training on the Taraflex® sports flooring is incredibly important, mainly because all major tournaments are held on this surface. Competing across many different surfaces means it’s tough to find familiarity and get used to every surface, but having regular access to Taraflex® will mean that at major competitions we are better prepared and can hit the ground running. “

Echoing Clare Taggart’s comments, David Smith OBE said, “Being able to use and train on Gerflor’s Taraflex®  sports flooring is really important for us a squad. All the major international events use Taraflex®  as the preferred surface of choice for World Boccia. Being able to train on Taraflex®  at world class performance camps just gives us that extra bit of practice and confidence.”

David Smith OBE concluded, “The playing surface does make a huge difference on how the balls react and having that extra training on Taraflex® sports flooring means that we are not going to be found wanting, when it comes to competing on the bigger stages around the world in 2024.”

David Carter ended by saying, “Gerflor have agreed to cover the cost of the install and removal for four camps to ensure that the team get the very best preparation possible.”

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 03332 412901, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest innovations.