A Suffolk Paralympian has started holding sessions in her hometown to try and get others into her inclusive sport.
Paralympian Evie Edwards first got into boccia after she went with her brother for a session – and accidentally qualified for the nationals.
She has since represented Great Britain at Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in the 2020 Paralympic Games.
The Ipswich-born Paralympian officially opened the sessions at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre, Stowmarket, on Thursday, January 19 and then led the session.
The sport involves players throwing a ball with the aim of getting closest to a jack, making it suitable for people with disabilities.
While she no longer competes, she coaches and volunteers for ActivLives sessions in Ipswich and Stowmarket.
The 28-year-old said: “It was brilliant.
“I think boccia is great because it’s a really inclusive sport. I haven’t known anyone who couldn’t do it, including people with severe disabilities.”
The sessions will run at the Gainsborough Road site every Thursday, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, until March 23.
Evie added that if there was enough interest, the sessions may become permanent.
They are being run as part of a partnership initiative with ActivLives, supported by Active Suffolk and Sport England.
Anselm Gurney, partnership manager at Everyone Active, which runs the leisure centre with Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “We are delighted to be offering these sessions to the local community, which are helping to fulfil our objective of getting everyone active.
“The launch was a huge success and was led fantastically by Evie. Hopefully, lots of people will come back and word will spread that boccia can be played at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre.
“We are very grateful for the support of our partners who have made these sessions possible – ActivLives, Active Suffolk and Sport England.”
The first session at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre is free, with the next nine being £2.50 each.
Advance booking is recommended by calling 01449 674980, although participants can attend without booking.
To find out more, visit the ActivLives website.
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