A teenager in a Bury club which plays a Paralympic sport has won a national title - with others in his team also performing well in the tournament.
Bury Boccia made its mark at the Heathcoat Cup Finals in Coventry on Saturday, April 20, showcasing the talent of its players at the University of Warwickshire.
Boccia, often likened to bowls played in a seated position, is a sport embraced up to Paralympic level, offering opportunities for singles, doubles, and teams of three.
With its inclusive nature, boccia caters to individuals with a diverse range of impairments, with players classified across eight groups from BC1 to BC8.
The competition saw 19-year-old Connor Dixon, who lives in Carlisle, take home the national singles title after he and two teammates gained places in the Heathcote Cup national singles finals.
Connor, as well as fellow Bury Boccia players Phil Ross and Tom Brown, earned places in the final after a rigorous journey through regional competitions.
While teammate Isabella Wood, from Radcliffe, narrowly missed out on qualification, she was also commended for her performance in the BC6 category underscored the team's strength.
Phil and Connor went on to represent Bury Boccia with unwavering determination.
Radcliffe resident Phil finished in a commendable sixth place at his Heathcote Cup Finals debut.
And Connor took home the trophy despite a controversial loss in the first match.
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Connor, who made his last finals appearance in 2019, triumphed in a thrilling final showdown against Peter Langton.
Connor said: “I couldn’t believe it, it felt surreal."
Bury Boccia coach Paul McCormick said: “Connor was brilliant all day. He could have got disheartened after his controversial loss in the first game, but he didn’t.
"He played brilliantly all day and deserved to win. I was particularly impressed with his decision-making and his composure. We are all very proud of him.
“Phil did really well, it was his first Heathcote Cup Finals and finishing sixth in the country is a brilliant achievement.”
Fellow coach Catrina Kay added: “A big congratulations to both Phil and Connor.
"Both of them have trained really hard and it has paid off.
“A huge well done to them both - everyone at Bury Boccia is extremely proud of them!”
In addition to individual competitions, Bury Boccia participates in the Boccia England league, a team-based event that spans from December to May.
With the Bury Boccia Bears reaching the finals last year and finishing fifth, the team's prowess extends beyond individual achievements.
For those seeking competitive boccia opportunities, Bury Boccia welcomes enthusiasts to join their ranks.
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Paul added: "We're always on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to join our vibrant community and support our mission of promoting inclusivity and sportsmanship through Boccia.
"If you're passionate about making a difference and fostering a welcoming environment for all, we'd love to hear from you!"
For more information about the club contact the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/buryboccia or email buryboccia@gmail.com.
Practice sessions are held at Castle Leisure Centre on Saturday afternoons, offering a welcoming environment for players keen to participate in competitive boccia to hone their skills and embrace the spirit of the sport.
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