Brock Richardson is a Positive Force

“Be positive,” says Brock Richardson. “Whatever you put your mind to, you can do.”

Brock should know. The Brampton, Ontario, teenager returned from the 2008 Paralympics in China with a 10^th place finish in the Boccia competition. “A dream come true,” he says.

But really, the dream came true for Brock six years before the Beijing Games. He’d been looking for a sport that he could participate in for a long time. He tried sled hockey and basketball but without much success. Brock has cerebral palsy which makes it very difficult for him to play most sports. Then he was introduced to boccia. It was perfect.

Boccia is a real test of skill. It’s a ball-tossing game that demands extreme precision and strategy too. Watching boccia players in action is really impressive. Generally, these competitors have severe disabilities… usually cerebral palsy which makes affects muscle control. Boccia is all about big-time concentration.

The best boccia players consistently land balls right next to the white target ball, called a “jack”. Somewhat like curling, one point is scored for every ball positioned closer than the opponent’s to the jack.

Players do whatever they can to toss the little leather ball. They can throw it, bowl it, kick it or use a chute to propel it onto the court. Incredible! And everyone can participate!

Brock says he loves boccia not just for the skill and thrill of competition. It’s about making friends too. “Never give up looking for what’s just right for you,” he advises. “Boccia is proof that there’s a sport for everyone.”  

Learn more about Boccia at www.ccpsa.ca.

YOUR COMMENTS: Share your child’s story of reaching for his or her own personal podium. Special activities? Special modifications? Your experiences will guide or encourage other parents with a child with a disability.