What particularly surprised visitors was the precision, technique and strategy required for each throw. Throughout the day, Aspace Aragón athletes gave demonstrations, but above all they enjoyed sharing their sport with children and adults who took to the court, learned to throw the balls using a ramp and received advice on how to get as close as possible to the target ball.
The experience made it possible to see firsthand that behind a discipline that may initially seem simple lie calculation, concentration, control over the throw and the ability to anticipate every play. Boccia is precisely a Paralympic sport based on precision and strategy in which, depending on the category, athletes make their throws directly or with the assistance of a ramp.
CURIOSITY, PARTICIPATION AND GREAT ENTHUSIASM FOR DISCOVERING OTHER SPORTS
The public response has left the team with a very positive assessment. “A lot of people come over and stay to watch, and many children also come in to take part. That fills us with excitement because we can see there is interest in discovering other sports,” explains Irene Martínez Hernández, head of Leisure and Boccia at Fundación Aspace Zaragoza.
The athletes themselves also particularly enjoyed this curiosity, becoming the best ambassadors for their discipline for a few hours: showing people how to position themselves, explaining the throws and sharing techniques with those who dared to try. “The athletes are also very happy to see people taking the initiative and showing such enthusiasm for discovering other sports. The overall assessment is very positive,” Martínez concludes.
The participating team is made up of Joaquín Villena (BC1), Carlos Grasa (BC3), Óscar Alijarde (BC1), Viky Romeo (BC1), María Granados (BC3), Virginia Navarro (BC3), África Sevilla (BC3), Marc Moya (BC1) and José Gracia (BC1), athletes with experience in both regional and national competitions.
ALREADY LOOKING AHEAD TO A NEW SEASON
After this more recreational and informative event, the team is already beginning to look ahead to next season. They will resume training in October, with the start of the League and new sporting challenges in their sights. “We are eager to start competing and achieve new goals,” says Irene Martínez.
Boccia also has a long history at Fundación ASPACE Zaragoza: it has been practiced at the organization since 1995, and its athletes regularly take part, through the Aspace Aragón Sports Association, in regional competitions and national championships.
