The Victoria Screamers, a boccia club for athletes with disabilities, are appealing for new players to join.
Boccia has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1984. It can be played individually, in pairs or teams of three. Players score points by tossing or rolling their ball closest to a target white ball called the jack.
The Screamers, who live with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism and multiple sclerosis, meet every Saturday at Colwood Church, 2250 Sooke Rd., from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Members are a mix of competitive players and others who see the club as an opportunity to socialize and have fun. The club has been running for nearly 30 years, and recently appealed for volunteers to help with tasks such as laying out the court at the start of a session and refereeing.
According to Kelly Halpen, the club's president, they have received multiple offers of help. Anyone living with a disability, between the ages of 16 to 69, who wants to play competitive or recreational boccia, can contact the club now about participating from January 2025.
Current competitive members are in training for the 2024 Canadian Boccia Championships this November in Ottawa, Ont. They will compete as part of the B.C. provincial team, which marks the 30th anniversary of the championships.
For more information about the Screamers and how to join, email victoriascreamersclub@gmail.com or call Halpen at 250-744-0251.
