PACE Success
Jagjit qualifies for Phase 2 of the Boccia Paralympic Talent Identification Programme
GB Boccia are currently running a programme to discover the most talented players in the UK who may have the potential to be fast tracked towards participation in the 2012 Paralympics. The programme consists of three phases involving a variety of objective and subjective tests to assess match play skills, decision making, skill and performance under pressure and coaching skills.
Confirmation has been received that Jagjit has qualified for Phase 2 of this programme. He will now be going back to Bath University on 7 March to be further assessed on his throwing styles, coaching, match-play and decision making skills. This day will allow coaches and staff to expose Jagjit to the coaching and support required to achieve elite performance levels.
Jagjit is absolutely thrilled to have got through to Phase 2. He said, “ I didn’t know anything about Boccia before I came to PACE, this has been a massive achievement for me sportswise.” He added, “I have gained a lot, I will be getting more experience and will do my best to get through to Phase 3”.
Jagjit’s History
- Jagjit, 16 years old, joined PACE four years ago. He had not played Boccia before. By playing in the PACE in-house Boccia team, he displayed impressive leadership skills and soon became Captain of the PACE Boccia squad. The PACE Boccia Squad has been competing in the Boccia National League for the last three years. The squad has been consistently improving and last year qualified for the South England Playoff which was held in Reading.
- Jagjit received his regional classification, a BC4, three years ago. This has entitled him to compete in the Boccia South East Regional Tournament in Farnborough for the last three years.
- In addition, Jagjit has also gained his Football Level 1 Assistant Coaching Award and is developing the PACE powerchair football team. We wish Jagjit every success, well done Jags!
Michael Paces to Sheffield
Michael has been playing Boccia at PACE for just over two years. He recently competed in the South East Regional Boccia Tournament. His brilliant match-play skills, testing his coordination and use of tactics has qualified him for the Boccia National Finals to be held in Sheffield on 20 and 21 March.
Michael said he was “nervous” about competing but this obviously helped him as he rolled in to third place in the semi-final in Farnborough. The games were very close but his fighting spirit won through. His mum said, “ I am so proud of Michael, it just shows it’s about giving people an opportunity to reach their potential. PACE gave this to Michael and we’re very happy”
Well done Michael, what a brilliant performance!
