Longshaw Juniors School of Blackburn won the North West England Primary Schools Boccia Regional Finals this year – and it was thanks in no small part to their captain Connie.
James Dixon, Panathlon’s event manager, noted that her leadership skills are “really outstanding” and played a huge role in securing the win.
And Connie says that boccia is her favourite Panathlon event, having played it for three years now.
“I like it as it is a team sport and it is very calm,” she says. “It is the only sport I have played that doesn’t give me any pain in my joints.
“I love playing with my team and especially like being team captain as I like to be in charge and explaining to the other players what they should do. I enjoy making decisions on different shots, who has the best angle and which shot is best to play.
“I love attending competitions and meeting other teams. I really like winning but I also like having the pride of just being there.”
Connie has progressed with the support of Lisa Kit, the teacher in charge. Mrs Kit has led on boccia in school for 15 years, seeing how it helped her daughter, who plays at a club.
“I love how everyone of any ability can be involved in boccia in a competitive way,” says Mrs Kit. “We also attend the other Panathlon events, kurling, ten-pin bowling, multi-skills: I value all of these and enjoy attending with pupils who don’t get the opportunity to represent school in other sports.”
And Mrs Kit has seen how competing and leading in Panathlon events has helped Connie.
“Boccia and Panathlon have definitely helped all my pupils and especially my captain. She really understands the game and the tactics involved. Playing in competitions has enabled her to flourish in this role. It has also helped her to develop her confidence and helped her to mature and understand you don’t always win.”
And she adds: “I would encourage other schools to get involved in Panathlon. The events are organised well and are extremely inclusive and a great way to get more pupils involved in sport.”
