Georgie’s Boccia Journey

Hi I’m Georgie and I play a disability sport called Boccia and I’m on the Boccia England Pathway. My ultimate goal is to make it to the Paralympic Games 2028 but winning many other medals along the way.

To have any hope of achieving this I will need to train as much as I can and participate in as many competitions as possible. I am extremely driven and hard working but the only thing holding me back is cost. I am extremely lucky to receive funding from the SportsAid charity, which has helped me compete so much last season. However, it is limited and not guaranteed every year.

Top athletes need to have the best equipment and in boccia this isn’t cheap. I’m so fortunate to have received funding for my boccia ramp, which cost £2.5k. Then you need numerous different balls and one ball costs approximately £70 and you need at least 13 balls to compete!

Coaching costs are at least £20ph and then you have to hire the court and sometimes pay for coaches travel time/accommodation. If we train away from home we have to pay travel, accommodation and fees. This includes several Boccia England training camps throughout the year.

Competitions are often not in the West of England, so once again there’s travel, accommodation and fees to pay. Then there’s food costs as eating healthy away from home is not easy. Then there’s sports clothing, England Kit and sports nutrition.

As opportunities come up to compete internationally the costs will be even higher and something I cannot currently afford with the funding I get. Not only is it myself travelling but I require carers. I do not get any Government help for these carer’s costs.

I absolutely hate asking for help but so many kind people have been offering to donate and told me to set up a page. So here it is. For those of you who do want to make a donation you can do so here and you can be assured it will go to good use. Everyone who knows me knows I’m very sensible when it comes to money but unfortunately living off benefits makes life very difficult.

I am truly grateful for any help anyone gives, so thank you so very much. Without the financial support I won’t be able to carry on with boccia at the level I’m at and certainly won’t be able to develop further. So you will be a part of this journey, which will hopefully include winning lots of medals! Thank you!

Keep rolling xx