Jigsaw NI’s “Mary’s Mates” win the Sam Hunter Boccia tournament 2 years in a row

Boccia is an inclusive activity/sport that is suitable for all ages and abilities. The game is played from a seated position and with small leather balls. The aim of the game is for each team to propel and land their Boccia balls closer to the white jack than their opposing team.

Boccia is a great way of getting people active, while adding a little competitive edge when playing games. Jigsaw NI organise and facilitate a weekly session of Boccia in Andersonstown Leisure Centre on Thursday mornings 10.30-11.30am and it is a very popular activity with our service users. Boccia is a Sport that can be enjoyed by absolutely anyone regardless of age or ability both in a friendly or competitive environment. 

This tournament is named after a local community worker, ‘Sam Hunter’ who set up and organised many programmes to engage people in various activities and the tournament has been going for 8 years after Sam sadly passed away.

“Mary’s Mates” one of Jigsaw NI Boccia teams competed against 15 other Boccia teams from all areas of Belfast and are the first to win the Sam Hunter Shield for two consecutive years since it began in 2003. 

The Name “Mary’s Mates” is dedicated to a former participant in the Jigsaw NI Boccia group who sadly passed away last year and is missed very much.

Clare Lagan, Manager of Jigsaw NI, said “It is a fantastic achievement for the team to win the Sam Hunter tournament, not once but two years in a row. Congratulations to the “Mary’s Mates” team.”