Boccia Team

The Variety Village Boccia Team provides athletes of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to learn, train, and compete in one of the world's most inclusive adaptive sports. In a supportive and welcoming environment, athletes develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes from being part of a team, regardless of whether their goal is recreation or competition.

Weekly practices are held in Variety Village's fully accessible fieldhouse, where experienced coaches support athletes in developing their technique and preparing for competition. The team welcomes athletes who throw or kick the ball independently, as well as athletes who compete using an assistive ramp operated by a sports assistant. Whether you're trying boccia for the first time or looking to compete at a higher level, the Variety Village Boccia Team offers opportunities to grow, connect, and succeed.

Members of a boccia team and their coaches pose for a group photo on an indoor court.

Athlete Pathway

Our Boccia pathway follows the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model, helping athletes progress from learning the fundamentals to developing advanced skills and competitive performance. With age- and developmentally-appropriate programming, athletes can transition through each level with the support of experienced coaches, building confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of sport.

Pre-Competitive

Our Pre-Competitive Boccia Program is the perfect introduction for athletes looking to learn the fundamentals of the sport in a fun, supportive environment. Variety Village provides the necessary equipment, including boccia balls and ramps where required. Athletes who use a ramp must attend with their own sports assistant.

Season: Year-round, September start
Training: 2 hour practice once per week

Competitive

Our Competitive Boccia Team is designed for athletes who are ready to advance their skills through structured training and competition. Athletes participate in weekly practices with experienced coaches and have opportunities to compete at local, provincial, and national events as part of the Variety Village Boccia Team. To compete, athletes must complete a classification process, which groups players with others who have similar functional abilities based on their medical diagnosis and an assessment of trunk, arm, leg, and hand movement, function, and coordination. This system helps ensure fair and equitable competition for all athletes.

Season: Year-round, September start
Training: 2-3 hour practice once per week
League: Ontario Regional Boccia Series
Pre-Requisite Requirements: Participation in at least one regional tournament in the same year.

Selection of athletes to represent Ontario at the national level is decided by the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Association (OCPSA) based on its ranking. Based on ability, an athlete may be selected to be part of OCPSA’s high-performance team with pathway to national selection.

Team Highlights & Achievements

The Variety Village Boccia Team, though established only a year ago, has members who have been playing the sport for several years at a competitive level. It's members have won medals at the regional, provincial and national levels.
Our Boccia Team delivered an outstanding performance at the Cruisers Regional Boccia Tournament on May 23, 2026, bringing home three medals from a highly competitive event. Taylor Lynsday-Noel - Bronze (BC3), Martha Gustafson - Silver (B4), and Dominic Gomez - Gold (BC1/2).

Support Our Team

Your generosity helps create more opportunities for children, youth, and adults with disabilities to participate in inclusive sports. Donations provide adaptive equipment, expert coaching, accessible facilities, competition opportunities, athlete development, and financial assistance, ensuring every athlete has the opportunity to train, compete, and reach their full potential.

Together, we're building a more inclusive future through the power of sport.

Donate Today!

Interested in Joining the Team? Contact Us!

Melanie Barber
Coordinator, Athletic Club & Sports Programs
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario & Variety Village
(416) 699-7167 extension #248
mbarber@varietyontario.ca

Helene Gomez
Head Coach, Boccia Team
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario & Variety Village
hgomez@varietyontario.ca