News

Jigsaw NI activities run term-time (Sept-June), but the need for summer activities became apparent a few years ago and since then we run 3 summer schemes for 4 weeks during the summer months. 

One summer scheme is held in Connswater C&L on Tuesday mornings for 4 weeks of the summer months and caters for those service users in the South and East part of the city. 

One summer scheme is held in Divis CC on Wednesday mornings for 4 weeks of the summer months and caters for those service users in the North and West part of the city. 

The third summer scheme is held in Skipperstone CC, Bangor on Thursday mornings for 4 weeks of the summer months and caters for service users in the South Eastern Trust area.

The summer scheme includes activities such as: warm ups, Boccia, New-age curling, target games, quizzes, bingo etc and is very popular with our service users. Over the past 2 years we have received some funds from the Black Santa sit-out fund, which has been used to cover some of the costs of the summer activities and we would like to thank them very much for this support.

On Thursday the 27^th of February the first ever Dedication Boccia NI tournament took place at the Spectrum Centre. This tournament was dedicated to two former members of Jigsaw NI, Rosemary McCaw and Mary Magill. 

There were twelve teams competing on the day from many different settings, including Jigsaw NI, Clifton Nursing Home, Malton Fold, Our Lady’s Nursing Home, Ben Madigan Nursing Home and St. Bridget’s Fold. 

Each team played a total of three games and the team with the highest score would win the tournament. Most games were tight, with only a single ball separating the two teams, but in first place with 14 points was Malton Rockets, following closely in second and third places were two Jigsaw NI teams Beach Boys on 12 points and Glynis’ Boys on 11 points.   

Unfortunately, Boccia NI couldn’t touch base with any of Rosemary McCaw’s family to invite them to help with the presentation of the prizes, but Veronica Carson, daughter of Mary Magill was in attendance to present the prizes. 

Clare McQuiston, manager of Jigsaw NI said “all the participants enjoyed the tournament and it was a nice way to remember our former members, as they both really enjoyed the sport. I would like to thank Boccia NI for running the Dedication tournament this year in memory of our two former members – thank you.  

Jigsaw NI is a charitable organisation which provides activities, including art, swimming, chair-based activity, football, keep-fit and boccia for adults with disabilities. These classes encourage service users to get involved with the community and develop new skills and meet new people in a supportive, safe and fun environment. 

Jigsaw NI’s Beach Boys Team who were runners up in the tournament. 

Photo: Veronica Carson presenting the winning team “Malton Rockets” with the Dedication Shield and trophy.

Veronica Carson presenting Emmanuel Quinn (member of Beach Boys team) with the runner up prize.