Boccia National results outstanding

Article by Michelle Batchelor

The 2009 National Boccia Tournament was held over Labour Weekend in Whangarei.  Twenty six competitors from all over New Zealand and Australia assembled at Kensington Stadium.  The tournament was officially opened by Whangarei MP Phil Heatley who then competed against Scott Burdett in an exhibition match.

There was fierce competition in all the grades and some brilliant Boccia played.  Spectators commented how nerve wracking the finals was as much of the playing was very close.

Alex Dickson shone with winning the Bronze Medal in the BC 1&2 Grade and picking up the Gold Medal in the BC 1&2 Teams with Margaret Thompson (Auckland) and Jeremy Morriss (Christchurch).  Alex also took out the “Most Improved Player” trophy.  Newcomer Mark Neilson (Whangarei) was thrilled to have won Silver in the BC 1& 2 Teams.

Michelle Batchelor completed the competition year with a Gold Medal in the Kiwi Class Individuals and Kiwi Class Pairs with Gordon Dunn (Dunedin).  She also took out the NZ Kiwi Class Champion Trophy for the third year in succession.  Scott Burdett (Whangarei) took out the Silver Medal in the Kiwi Class Individual and the Silver with Chris Keay (Whangarei) in the Kiwi Class Pairs.  Bronze in the Kiwi Class Pairs was won by Whangarei players Kimberley McLean and Kayela Benseman.

Northland Boccia would like to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses and sponsors who gave their time, money and product, without this support the tournament would not have been as successful.

The Northland Boccia team will complete the year with a Fun Tournament to be held at Kensington Stadium on the 28th November 2009. 

Both able and disabled bodied people will be able to enter.  This gives the players, volunteers, referees and ramp assistants the opportunity to play. 

Please contact Kathy Bingham 435 4092 for further information.