FORT WAYNE, IN (July 31, 2023) -- Visit Fort Wayne and Turnstone Center are excited to welcome USA Boccia (Bot-cha) for their 2023 National Championships, August 3 - 6 at the Plassman Athletic Center at Turnstone - the first time for a boccia national to be held in Indiana.
Boccia is the world's most inclusive sport, being a highly competitive, seated sport for athletes with and without disabilities. Boccia can be played Individually, in Pairs, or on Teams. Take a look at this video for an example of how the sport is played as well as its variations for accommodating a varied group of individuals.
Boccia became a Paralympic Game in 1984 and by 2008 was already being played in 50 countries. Several athletes who compete under Boccia United States, the high performance program for the sport in the US, will be competing in Fort Wayne this week.
This hosting opportunity resulted after Visit Fort Wayne and Turnstone hosted USA Boccia officials on a site visit to introduce them to the elite Olympic and Paralympic Training Site Facility and highly experienced local organizing committee. Turnstone has been looking to grow their boccia programs and this event will serve as a catalyst for future hosting opportunities.
"We are thrilled to welcome USA Boccia to Fort Wayne! Opportunities like this introduce Fort Wayne as a possible host destination for future, national opportunities of this caliber. We look forward to welcoming adapted athletes comprised of veterans, Paralympians, and amateurs from around the country to Fort Wayne," said Jazmin Zavala, Sports Sales Manager at Visit Fort Wayne.
USA Boccia is also hosting a Skills Clinic, August 2nd from 6pm-8pm, open to the public for all of Fort Wayne to participate in. Learn more about the sport and have some fun! The clinic will be led by USA Boccia Certified Coaches, International Referees, and the USA Boccia CEO. All sports equipment will be provided.
“Turnstone is honored to help bring USA Boccia athletes from across the country to the Summit City," said Mike Mushett, CEO, Turnstone Center. “Turnstone's US Olympic & Paralympic Training Site facilities provide an exceptional environment to spotlight their skills, persistence, and determination in pursuing a National Championship title."
If you are interested in volunteering during this unique event, you can sign up through Turnstone here.
For additional information or media interviews, please contact:
Jazmin Zavala, Visit Fort Wayne Sports Sales Manager
jazmin@visitfortwayne.com
(260) 424-3700
-or-
Stasha Carrasquillo, Turnstone Chief Marketing Officer
stasha@turnstone.org
(260) 484-5059
-or-
Eric Pfeifer, USA Boccia Executive Director
eric.pfeifer@usaboccia.org
(631) 388-6164
###
Visit Fort Wayne, is the official destination marketing organization for Fort Wayne and Allen County. Each year, over 8.8 million people visit Fort Wayne and generate $995 million in direct economic impact.