Athlete of the Month

Josh Kain

Paralympic Boccia

Josh Kain—Maine-Niles Special Recreation Association, BOCCIA

The Paralympic sport of boccia is similar to the backyard version of lawn bowling.  Paralympic boccia has adaptations so that athletes with disabilities, some of whom are so severely affected that they cannot grasp the ball, may still play and enjoy the sport.  The boccia balls are not made of wood as in the backyard game; rather, they are made of leather, quilted and stuffed with small pellets so that they roll easily.  The sport is played indoors on a gym floor in a space that is 12.5m x 6m. 

Boccia is a target game with competitors aiming for a white target ball and trying to get their boccia balls as close as possible to it.  Players who are unable to grasp the balls to throw them may use a ramp and have an assistant hold and position it for them.  They may launch the ball using a finger, or a device mounted to their head, or a simple stick held in their mouth.  Some athletes play the sport by kicking the balls into position on the court.

Josh Kain has been involved in the Paralympic boccia program with the Maine-Niles Special Recreation Association (M-NASR) for about a year, and he practices weekly for an hour and a half.  Josh is a ramp player and an inspiration to other participants who are curious about boccia. He motivates other athletes to try the sport. Josh has attended four tournaments in the Metro Chicago Boccia Cup, a competition series hosted by World Sport Chicago and various local Paralympic Sport Clubs. 

Josh has made the boccia participants at M-NASR a real team, and keeps everyone focused during practices. After each tournament he attends, he shares new techniques with his teammates.  Since receiving his fantastic new ramp (courtesy of DeMarsh Construction) and boccia balls, he has been very serious about improving his skills. Josh’s permanent smile and enthusiasm when talking about the sport proves it – boccia is his passion!

Josh is looking forward to the next tournament in the Metro Chicago Boccia Cup series at the Great Lakes Regional Games on May 22 at Vernon Hills High School.  More than 40 other players from Chicagoland are expected to compete in this event! 

The Chicago Park District will host the 2010 National Boccia Championships at Curie Park (4949 South Archer Avenue) July 8-12.  Event organizers expect that 100 players from across the country will participate.  World Sport Chicago is a sponsor of this event.