Connor was recently involved in the Canterbury Secondary Schools Boccia Championships held at Cashmere High School.

Even though Connor didn’t get placed at this event, he still enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a regional school sporting competition, just as many of his able-bodied peers do.

Derived from the Italian word meaning ‘to bowl’, the game is best described as bowls meets pétanque. Those who can’t throw use a ramp, and some even use their feet to throw. The game is always played from a seated position and you have four rounds in one game.

Boccia is a game built on extreme skill, strategy and precision and has been part of the Paralympics since 1984.

Connor says: “The best thing about Boccia is that you are all friends until you get into the box to kick the game off. Then it’s all on and you’re basically trying your best to beat your opponent.”

Connor was also interviewed as part of a story on Seven Sharp to mark the start of the Paralympics. Check out the story here.

Congratulations, Connor, for being such a great competitor while representing Te Puna Wai o Waipapa - Hagley College!