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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. 

Lynda Groves was nominated for the category of Coach in the Community within the East Belfast area in the Belfast Sports Awards 2012 by Clare Lagan - Manager, Jigsaw NI.

Photo 1. Peter Shaw – Director – BCSDN, Clare Lagan – Manager – Jigsaw NI, Lynda Groves – Swimming Coach – Jigsaw NI (Award winner), Bernie Kelly – Services Manager – Physical & Sensory Disability Belfast HSC Trust.

The Coach in the Community award category is to recognise the contribution of a community coach to sporting achievement and increasing participation within North, South, East or West Belfast.

Lynda has been a swimming instructor for Jigsaw NI within the East Belfast area, namely in Avoniel LC for over 5 years working with adults with varying types and levels of disability. She also coaches in Andersonstown LC and Grove well-being centre. Lynda is a very enthusiastic coach and works individually with all participants in the groups on a weekly basis, making sure the activity is pitched at the correct level for each person, so that they feel they are being challenged but have achievable goals. Lynda is also a National Trainer Assessor for pool lifeguard. Many service users have reported huge benefits from swimming and water activities, including increased confidence and self-esteem, learning new skills, relearning/adapting skills, being able to feel/use parts of their bodies that they couldn’t previously and also enjoyment of the social element of the sessions.

Lynda was invited to Belfast City Hall for the Belfast Sports Awards 2012 event, held on Thursday 8^th March and was awarded the Coach in the Community for the East Belfast area category award. Lynda was in attendance accompanied by her son, Andrew and nominator Clare Lagan, Jigsaw NI. Lynda said “I am so delighted that the coaches and the work that goes on for people with disabilities are being recognised at such a prestigious event. I thank Jigsaw NI for the opportunity they provide me to work with and for adults with disabilities.” Clare Lagan, Manager of Jigsaw NI said “This is a fantastic and well deserved achievement for Lynda. She has been working with Jigsaw NI for over 5 years and has made a significant difference to many of our service users lives. I am delighted that she has been recognised and rewarded and glad that she is one of our coaches.”

Photo 2. Paula Bradshaw – Director – GVRT presenting Lynda Groves – Swimming Coach – Jigsaw NI with her award.

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. They organise and facilitate Physical Activity and Art classes for adults with disabilities across Greater Belfast and Bangor. The Physical Activity classes range from Swimming, Soccer, Boccia, Chair-based Activity and Keep-Fit in the gym. All groups are made up of individuals with a range of disabilities, including Brain injury, Mobility problems, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory impairments, Multiple sclerosis, Arthritis, Learning disability etc. Classes are held in community settings, so as to promote social inclusion and decrease the isolation felt by individuals with disabilities. Jigsaw NI is a service open to anyone over the age of 18 from the greater Belfast area that has some form of disability or debilitating illness.

If you are interested in finding out more about Jigsaw NI or referring to one of our groups, contact Clare or Liz on 028 90319054.