Commenting on the project Tony Thorne, Gerflor Sales and Specification Manager, South Wales said, “The refurbishment of the school’s sports hall flooring was a proven example of how Gerflor’s Taraflex Evolution SL sports flooring was able to supply the ideal solution for the client, with the minimum of fuss and disruption to the schools’ day-to-day activities. Specifying the Taraflex SL sports floor covering also pressed a number of eco buttons which was high on the school’s agenda.”

From a sustainability perspective, the project incorporated the Taraflex Evolution SL product, a loose-lay flooring solution selected for its environmental benefits. By removing the need for adhesive, this option not only reduces the environmental impact but also allows the floor to be recycled at the end of its 25-year life cycle. Installed using double-sided tape, the floor can be easily removed, enabling minor repairs to the undercarriage before a new floor is laid. In contrast, using adhesives would have compromised the undercarriage, making Taraflex SL Sports Flooring the natural choice as a more sustainable and practical solution.

Delivering a solution that was both visually striking and highly practical for a demanding sports facility was a challenge expertly met by Cardiff-based Trefoil Interiors. Dan Townsend, Commercial Director at Trefoil Interiors said,” It was clear that there are very few products on the market that could meet the specific requirements for this education project. Due to time and cost constraints, a screed system simply wasn’t viable, With the Taraflex SL sports flooring solution and also with the exceptional support throughout the process from Tony Thorne at Gerflor, the end result would not have been possible, a successfully delivered fit for purpose sports floor for the school and the variety of its users.”

The Taraflex^® sports range of products continue to be a popular choice for community centres, sports, and leisure facilities, as well as education sports halls across the UK, Republic of Ireland and worldwide. Taraflex^® is the Name Under the Game… it’s where Champions Begin, Learn, Train, and Play.

HADO is a sport that doesn’t rely on an individual’s sheer size or strength to determine victory, instead, it’s all about equal opportunities utilising skills that anyone can develop. HADO is an augmented reality experience combining physical activity and e-sport using a head-mounted display & arm senor that connects you to the game. It is a sport with simple controls that relies on the intuitive movement of players. It’s played in 32 countries with millions joining in, making it a truly global sport.

Jim Sephton, CEO of UK HADO commented, “HADO is an Augmented Reality (AR) sport, so unlike Virtual Reality (VR) where nothing is real, in AR you still see the real world. We just add computer graphics into reality with you, which allows the player to move with speed and confidence in the space. Our UK HADO centre is open Wednesday to Sunday for training, matches, parties, and team building.”

Tom Gidman, Specification Manager for Gerflor in the East Midlands, met with Blueprint Interiors who were doing the design work for the project and based off their requirements, he built a specification for them.

Tom Gidman said “It was a unique project, as the HADO Centre is the first of its kind in the UK. They required a floorcovering that would be safe and suitable to play on, ensuring players had confidence underfoot, as they would be moving around while wearing VR headsets. Taraflex Evolution was specified for both its outstanding performance and striking design. It also provided the good indentation resistance needed for various seating and furniture arrangements, whilst also providing players with the shock absorption and impact protection needed for physical activity.”

Commenting on the Gerflor flooring product and installation Jim Sephton said, “We were looking to create a flagship location for the sport of HADO in the UK and as part of that initiative, we wanted an extremely durable, safe and comfortable, indoor sports surface that would allow our athletes to perform at the best of their abilities. Gerflor’s Taraflex sports flooring provided exactly what we were looking for.”

On usage and activities, Jim Sephton also added, “The court areas are used for training and tournaments, so the Taraflex Evolution sports flooring has a major role to play.”

The installation of the new Taraflex® Evolution sports floor at UK HADO would be undertaken by the Solihull-based FLR Group. For more than 40 years, FLR Group has been supplying carpets, luxury vinyl and other high quality flooring products to commercial environments across the UK. Though they started small, FLR are now an industry leader. From their state-of-the-art showroom in Solihull, FLR are dedicated to ensuring every customer gets world class products and superb service.

Adam Kaid, Contracts Manager, FLR Group said, “The Owner contacted FLR Group for recommendations on sports flooring for the first UK HADO centre and were put through to myself where I booked a site survey.”

On specification Adam Kaid commented, “We specified Gerflor Taraflex Evolution for its high durability, compatibility with line marking and its colour bank suited the HADO centres used throughout Europe. After researching HADO and watching a few videos on how it was played, it was easy to see that Taraflex from Gerflor would be the perfect solution.”

On installation Adam Kaid went on to say, “We had two installers involved. The job was phased, as three courts were required for this centre. Each court was completed over one to two evenings. The Taraflex sports floorcovering is extremely easy to work with and install, our specialist floor fitters have many years of experience with laying Taraflex sports vinyl.”

Tom Gidman finally said, “The feedback from the staff and CEO at HADO has been extremely positive, they are very impressed with how Taraflex has been delivering on both performance and safety. It’s been an incredible project to work on and I’m very satisfied that the client is really pleased with the end result.”

Adam Kaid concluded, “Since our last communication with the client, we know that the Taraflex sports flooring from Gerflor is meeting and surpassing expectations. We are really delighted with the outcome and would definitely specify Gerflor again for sports projects.”

Jim Sephton ended by saying, “The Taraflex sports vinyl flooring is easy to maintain and delivers on the smart look we wanted to achieve for all our court areas. We would definitely specify Gerflor’s Taraflex sports floor coverings again.”

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest innovations.

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.