Access: It’s No Joke, Make Local Public Services More Accessible
The launch, taking place at the National Indoor Arena on Sport Ireland’s Campus, is a result of a comprehensive process completed in late 2025, with our partners in Paralympics Ireland and Sport Ireland to bring Boccia under the IWA-Sport umbrella for the first time.
Boccia, a precision ball sport designed specifically for athletes with high support needs, is one of the most inclusive Paralympic sports — and its integration into IWA-Sport is expected to significantly expand access and participation nationwide. Speaking ahead of the launch, Sports Development Officer Sean Mulligan said:
“This is about more people, in more communities, having the chance to take part in sport in a meaningful way. Boccia is uniquely accessible, and we now have the structure to grow it nationally.”
The event will bring together members, volunteers and the wider sporting community, offering opportunities to experience Boccia first-hand, alongside a celebration of the Wheelchair Basketball Junior Blitz season and a preview of upcoming Wheelchair Rugby activity.
Looking ahead, a series of Boccia competitions is already planned for 2026, including provincial and national championships, giving the opportunity for strong momentum for the sport’s growth.
IWA-Sport looks forward to working with its network of clubs, volunteers, community centres and local sports partnerships across the country to embed Boccia at community level, ensuring more people with physical disabilities can access sport locally. To get involved please contact IWA-Sport Development Officer, Sean Mulligan: sean.mulligan@iwa.ie
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