Jigsaw NI team win the first ever ‘Andy Ross’ Boccia tournament

In November 2012, the first ever ‘Andy Ross’ Boccia tournament took place, in memory of the late Andy Ross, a regular attender at Boccia NI events and husband of Boccia NI committee member Nessie Ross.  With 16 teams competing from across Belfast and Newtownabbey, the tournament was very closely fought.  All teams played against three other teams with the top two teams qualifying to get into the final. The final was between Clifton Strollers (a team from Clifton Nursing Home) and Jigsaw NI team – The 3 C’s. This was another tight match with the 3 C’s coming out on top at the end. This meant that The 3 C’s won both the ‘Sam Hunter’ and the ‘Andy Ross’ tournaments in the same year. Clare Lagan, Manager of Jigsaw NI, said “This is a brilliant achievement for the 3C’s.  Although team members changed between tournaments, there was one member that was on both winning teams – John McCrudden. The group have great fun at their weekly boccia session and it is obvious that they are improving all the time. Well done and congratulations to all the teams, especially “The 3 C’s.” 

The Andy Ross Boccia tournament 2012 took place on 29^th November 2012 in the Spectrum Centre. All teams enjoyed their day out and Jigsaw NI would like to thank Boccia NI for organising the tournament. 

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 Paralympic Sport.

Jigsaw NI is a charitable organisation that encourages adults with disabilities to participate in activities and learn new skills in a fun and supportive environment. 

Boccia is a great way of getting people active, while adding a competitive edge when playing games. Jigsaw NI organises and facilitates weekly sessions of Boccia in Andersonstown Leisure Centre on Thursday mornings 10.30-11.30am and in Skipperstone CC, Bangor on Thursdays 11.30am – 12.30pm and is very popular with our service users.

Boccia is a Sport that can be enjoyed by almost anyone regardless of age or ability both in a friendly and/or competitive environment. Jigsaw NI also offers Art, Swimming, Chair-based Activity, Soccer and Gym. If anyone over 18 with a disability is interested in any of our activities please contact Liz or Clare on 028 90319054.

Photo attached – The 3 C’s team with Nessie Ross presenting Andy Ross trophy and Robert McQuiston representing Boccia NI.