Along with National Development coaches Peter McGuire (brother of Stephen, gold medal winner at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games) and Jenny Nethery, our managing partner Steve Barnett attended Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) Development Day at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow to meet up with the boccia community, Shepherd having signed up last year to provide financial support to further aid boccia development throughout Scotland.

Mr Barnett said: “It was a pleasure to attend and to meet the boccia community at the development day. I had a fabulous morning, and it really was inspiring talking to the athletes and to see how much they enjoy this hugely inclusive sport which caters for all abilities.

“I learned all about boccia and, more importantly, the value of the game to the athletes that attended. Having tried the game, I experienced first-hand the skill and strategic thinking required to compete and  I will be sure to keep an eye on the development of boccia!”

Acting as the Scottish Governing Body for boccia, SDS is continually campaigning to make the sport accessible for all; providing clear pathways to engage in the sport in both urban and rural areas of Scotland.

Jonathan Kennedy, Boccia Development Officer for SDS, added: “The backing and support from Shepherd Chartered Surveyors is vital to help fund our ongoing commitment to provide opportunities for people of all abilities and to enable us to host development days like this.”

Currently Scotland has 36 boccia opportunities which allows over 720 people to enjoy the game of boccia. To make this happen there are over 199 volunteers who support these opportunities. These volunteers are vital in supporting the athletes to thrive and develop.

If you are interested in getting involved in boccia – either as a participant, volunteer or coach – please contact Jonathan Kennedy at SDS: jonathan.kennedy@scottishdisabilitysport.com

ENDS

For further information please contact Steve Barnett tel 0141 331 2807

Issued on behalf of Shepherd by Liquorice Media tel 0141 332 4935 www.liquorice-media.com

Date 9 Jan25