Boccia Tatra Cup: Promoting Inclusion and International Competition
The Boccia Tatra Cup 2024, which earned the nickname "The tournament with heart" from its participants serves as a critical event for the boccia community, offering a competitive space for athletes with disabilities to compete in an inclusive, international setting.
The 2024 edition brought together 64 classified players from five European countries—Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Croatia—offering a rare opportunity for athletes of varying skill levels to challenge themselves in competitive boccia. Individual competitions were held in categories BC1, BC2, BC3 and mixed category BC4/BC5 and thanks to the specially adapted tournament rules, all 64 present classified players were actively involved in Pairs and Teams competitions as well. Several international competition groups were formed directly at this tournament and even those players who came here without a teammate, or who don’t have one at all, had the opportunity to compete in one of categories “Teams BC1/BC2”, “Pairs BC3” or “Pairs BC4/BC5”. Due to the lack of opponents, pairs and teams are not competed at national tournaments what makes Boccia Tatra Cup even more special for all competitors.
And twice as special is the whole event for boccia players from BC5 category. Athletes in this category typically have more control over their limbs compared to players in the wheelchair categories (BC1-BC4), but they still experience limitations due to their disability. They have been recently excluded from official ranking tournaments governed by the BISFed (Boccia International Sports Federation) classification system what prevents them from participating in major international competitions, such as those that serve as qualifiers for the Paralympic Games. So, Boccia Tatra Cup provided them with an important platform to showcase their skills, gain experience, and enjoy the competitive atmosphere that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
Moreover, this year edition hosted the first-ever international tournament in V4 countries for 3-member integration teams in integration boccia, which included 30 players from the V4 countries without sports classifications. Integration boccia is a variation of the traditional sport of boccia that aims to include individuals with different types of disabilities, regardless of their classification or level of impairment. Unlike standard boccia, which follows strict classification rules, integration boccia is designed to be accessible to athletes with various physical and mental disabilities, including those who may not fit into the existing classification system. Players in wheelchair can play together with those not using them or even with completely healthy people.
The inclusion of these integration teams was a groundbreaking moment, as it marked the introduction of integrated competitions at an international level in the V4 region. While Poland already has a tradition of integration boccia competitions, this concept was new to many project partners. Despite the initial learning curve, the response from both participants and audiences was very positive. The integration teams were welcomed enthusiastically, providing these players a valuable opportunity to compete and experience success in an international setting, something they have been excluded from due to BISFed’s current classification rules that do not include them in ranking tournaments or the Paralympic Games. The event also provided a week-long program of sightseeing and socialization program. They were primarily the integration boccia players who enjoyed it the most.
According to project manager Martin Kováč, “Introducing integration teams has allowed us to truly expand the scope of the BTC. We not only provide competitive opportunities for athletes with classifications but also open doors for people with disabilities who are often excluded from international competitions, making this a truly inclusive event.”
Beyond the competition, The BTC also included a series of workshops and coaching sessions led by gold Paralympians S. Andrejčík and M. Balcová, offering players the chance to improve their skills in an informal, friendly atmosphere. These workshops were open to all participants and greatly benefited the younger and beginner players, who were able to train with some of the sport’s top athletes. The event’s social component, along with the competitive opportunities, made it a milestone for boccia in the V4 region.
The target group for the event was broad, encompassing not only players with various disabilities from the V4 region but also seniors, integration boccia players, and those interested in developing their skills for potential future classification in Paralympic boccia. Representatives from municipalities, organizations focusing on people with disabilities, regional media, and tourism operators were also part of the broader audience that engaged with the event.
By incorporating integration competitions and creating a comprehensive program that balances sport and social activities, the BTC made a significant contribution to the development of boccia as a sport for people with disabilities and supported social inclusion across the region. The tournament remains a crucial step forward in ensuring that all athletes, regardless of classification or background, have the opportunity to compete at the international level and be part of the boccia community.
