World Boccia Championships 2022

Saints Disabled Supporters’ Association Ambassador David Smith OBE, competed in the World Boccia Championships in Rio in December 2022.

In the round robin part of the championships, David won both his games beating Dohyun Kim of South Korea and Serafin Rodriguez of Spain.

In the knockout stages, David had a bye in the first round, then beat Sungjoon Jung of South Korea in the Quarter Final. In the Semi Final he beat André Ramos of Portugal, but lost to Witsanu Huadpradit of Thailand in the Final.

Unfortunately this meant he was no longer World Champion.

David then teamed up with Claire Taggart and Will Hipwell to form the BC1/BC2 GB team.

In the round robin stage the GB team won both their games beating Netherlands and Canada.

In the knockout stages, they beat Portugal in the Quarter Final, before beating Argentina in the Semi Final.

In the Final, the GB team were up against South Korea and led for the first half of the match, but South Korea fought back leading by 2 points going into the last end.

The GB team won the last end but only by 1 point, so had to settle for the silver medal.

A video was taken by the GB coaches of the team semi final and final, plus the silver medal presentation and interview, and can be viewed below.

Claire Taggart won the BC2 women’s World Championship title, so the GB team won 3 medals in the championships with Gold for Claire, and Silvers for David and the BC1/BC2 GB team.

The GB Boccia players can now look forward to Paris qualification in 2023, and the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.