SHEPHERD Chartered Surveyors has signed up to provide financial support to Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) to further aid boccia development throughout Scotland.
Boccia is a Paralympic sport described as similar to bowls. The backing will help fund SDS’s commitment to providing opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in boccia across the country.
Ian Fergusson, senior partner at Shepherd, said, “We’re delighted to financially support SDS’s inspirational boccia programme. Boccia is a hugely inclusive sport which caters for all abilities and we look forward to playing an active part in the growth of this popular sport throughout Scotland.”
Acting as the Scottish governing body for boccia, SDS campaigns to make the sport accessible for all. Currently Scotland has 36 boccia opportunities which allows over 720 people to enjoy the game. To make this happen, there are some 199 volunteers who support these opportunities.
“SDS is delighted to receive funding support from Shepherd Chartered Surveyors,” said Gavin MacLeod, SDS chief executive. “Financial support of this nature goes a long way to allowing us to offer more players with disabilities access to this fantastic Paralympic sport. Funding will be used to enhance access to training and competition for players across Scotland. Our thanks go to everyone at Shepherd Chartered Surveyors.”
2024 is a big year for boccia in Scotland, with interest in the sport expected to rise. Not only is SDS preparing to host both the Scottish Boccia Closed Championships (15th June) and the UK Boccia Championships (15-17th November) but sandwiched in-between is the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where several Scots are hopeful of securing a spot on the team.