IWA Sport has officially launched Boccia as the newest sport under its governance, marking an important step forward for disability sport in Ireland and creating new opportunities to grow one of the Paralympic movement’s most inclusive sports.
The announcement was made on Sunday, April 19 at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena, where athletes, volunteers, staff, partners and supporters gathered to mark the occasion. The event highlighted the significance of the transition for Boccia in Ireland and the opportunities it presents for the sport’s future.
Following a comprehensive process throughout 2025, delivered in partnership with Paralympics Ireland and with the support of Sport Ireland, IWA Sport now assumes responsibility as the National Governing Body for Boccia in Ireland.
A precision ball sport, Boccia is a core part of the Paralympic programme and is widely recognised for its accessibility. Its integration into IWA Sport is expected to support the continued development of the sport, with increased opportunities for participation at both grassroots and competitive levels across the country.
Speaking at the launch, IWA Sport Director, Nicky Hamil said the organisation is committed to developing the sport nationwide:
“Today, we mark and celebrate Boccia coming under our wing. We take our responsibility to nurture and grow the sport in Ireland very seriously, and we are excited for its future. Our vision is to grow the sport within our clubs, in our community centres and through new programmes and competitions.”
IWA Sport Boccia Sports Development Officer, Sean Mulligan emphasised the impact this will have at community level:
“This is about more people, in more communities, having the chance to take part in sport in a meaningful way. Boccia is accessible and fun, and we now have the structure to grow it.”
The launch event also gave attendees the opportunity to see Boccia in action, with players demonstrating the sport and inviting participants from the Wheelchair Basketball Junior Blitz to try it for themselves.
Stephen McNamara, CEO, Paralympics Ireland said,
“We are delighted to have worked with IWA Sport to secure the future of Boccia in Ireland. This strategically important project has been in development for several years and became a focus after Paris 24 when we sat down with Nicky and Anne Marie in Clontarf to see if we could develop a vibrant and sustainable model for Boccia.
As we hand Boccia over to the great hands of the IWA Sport, I want to thank everyone involved in Boccia over the years who has given their time, energy and focus to this fantastic sport, I want to thank, in particular, Boccia Ireland Chair, and former PI Vice President, Dennis Twoomy, who has been so important to the sport for so many years. The future is bright for Boccia.”
IWA Sport will now work with clubs, volunteers and local sports partnerships nationwide to further embed Boccia in communities, ensuring more people with physical disabilities have access to the sport.
IWA Sport acknowledged the support of Paralympics Ireland, Sport Ireland and all those involved in the transition process, as well as the athletes and volunteers who continue to drive the sport forward.
For more information or to get involved in Boccia, contact sean.mulligan@iwa.ie.
