URUNGA Public School students James, Harrison, Eli and Brad tested their skills at the NSW Primary and Secondary Boccia Championships at Sydney’s Olympic Park on August 13-14, finishing equal ninth in the state in their division.

Students from 48 schools across NSW took part in the state championship, whittled down from 470 boccia-playing schools.

A total of around 3400 competitors took part in the Department of Education’s School Sport Unit’s boccia tournament in 2024.

Now in its eleventh year, after starting as a humble competition for 40 NSW public schools, boccia is the sport of choice for participants with a range of physical disabilities.

Boccia incorporates elements of bocce, bowls and pétanque.

“At Urunga Public School we are an inclusive school that prides itself on creating an environment and opportunities for all of our students, of all abilities,” said Kevin Patterson, Assistant Principal at Urunga Public School.

“The inclusive boccia sport is another amazing opportunity provided by our school and the NSW Department of Education Sports Unit for our students to participate.

“The boys had a great day and were excited to be in Sydney.

“They are very proud.”

The competition has previously been a springboard for students onto the international boccia scene, with Paris-bound Paralympians Jamieson Leeson (Dunedoo Central School), Dan Michel (Heathcote High School) and Spencer Cotie (Killarney Heights High School) all beginning their boccia careers in the School Sport Unit event.

Jamieson and Dan have gone on to win gold in three World Cup Pairs Championships and will be amongst the favourites in Paris.

Jamieson was in attendance for the secondary schools event last Wednesday.

School Sport Unit Disability Inclusion Officer Peter Cardy said the competition reached an exciting conclusion at Sydney Olympic Park.

“Schools came from around the state to be involved in the final stage of competition – it really is amazing just how popular this sport is,” he said.

“To have an ex-public school student and Paralympian in Jamieson coming along really is the icing on the cake.

“It shows that boccia is not only a fantastic, inclusive sport but also one that can be competed in at the highest level internationally.”

By Andrew VIVIAN