Tia launches new tournament
TIA RUEL hosted the first in what she hopes will become a regular boccia competition.
Taking place at Finchampstead Baptist Centre (FBC) on Saturday, England and Great Britain competitor Ruel welcomed challengers from across the country to her home turf.
Boccia is a paralympic sport, not dissimilar to bowls, and players from York, Exeter, Nottingham and Cambridge were among those taking part with Ruel eventually coming out on top to win gold in her BC1 classification.
“Thanks to the support of my assistant, Kitty Harrison, and the wonderful team at FBC, the very first Tia Ruel Boccia Competition went brilliantly,” said Ruel.
“I am so happy with the amount of people who came and they all said what a great place and that they would love to come back.
“We had quite a few spectators along, friends and family, but also members of the public who were using FBC for the day and dropped in to watch as they were genuinely intrigued.
“I am definitely going to make it an annual event and will then increase it to a series of events throughout the year.
“My aim is to enjoy playing more competitive boccia, to include more people in the sport and to raise awareness for what an amazing game it is.”