The first ever practical Boccia Coaching course in the Caribbean took place at the start of September (02/03) this year at the Sports faculty of the University of the West Indies – Mona, in Kingston (UWI), Jamaica. The course was organized by the Jamaican World Boccia member, Boccia Jamaica with support from the Jamaica Paralympic Association.
The course was delivered over two days and attended by 7 budding Jamaican coaches and delivered by Jamaica National Boccia Head Coach, Peter Hornig.
Peter was thrilled with how the weekend went: “The enthusiasm, competitiveness & commitment seen in participants over both days is very promising and fills me with further optimism of Boccia it’s future in Jamaica. I am thrilled with the uptake in Jamaica and cannot wait for us to make our mark on the world stage soon!”.
Being very practical in nature, it exposed all participants to beginner and intermediate principles in Coaching and Refereeing which was consolidated by play and practice. Underpinned by novel concepts within coaching pedagogy that Peter is researching, the course married theory, and discussion among the participants with hands-on practicality of playing, officiating, and identifying potential athletes – informed and suited to the culture of the Caribbean islands.
The weekend also acted as a prelude to the Caribbean Boccia Development Course that will take place in December in Kingston and is run jointly between World Boccia and Boccia Jamaica. The course is open to aspiring Boccia coaches from Eastern Caribbean Countries with valid International Paralympic Committee membership who may not have formal hands-on training in the sport yet.
Special thanks to the Sports Faculty at the University of the West Indies Mona for supporting the development of Boccia in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
In the coming weeks, Peter will be holding further development webinars for Caribbean nations who wish to learn more about delivering Boccia in their local communities.
