Boccia training for Paralympics

Two boccia competitors who train weekly at the Peninsula Community Centre have been selected for a training program for the Paralympics in 2016.

Dean Nottle of Yattalunga and Tom Ferguson of East Gosford attend Woy Woy community centre every Thursday to practice and receive training from Boccia NSW coaching staff.

Dean, who suffers from inclusion body mitosis and is in a wheelchair, started playing boccia after he attended a Come and Try Day last year.

Tom, who suffers from cerebral palsy said he has been involved with boccia for a number of years now and really enjoys the game.

He has most recently won the bronze medal in the Northern Beaches League while Dean won the NSW State Singles title in the open category in January last year.

He is currently ranked number two in the state and said he was thrilled to have been selected to play for the NSW State team at the upcoming National Titles in May.

"Unfortunately Australia didn't qualify to play in the London Paralympics, but the Australian Paralympic Committee is determined that we will qualify to compete in Rio de Janeiro at the 2016 Paralympics," said Dean.

"I've been fortunate to have been included in a group of 35 athletes who have been identified as possible members of that 2016 team," he said.

The group will embark on a program known as the Road to Rio with the first training camp to be held in May, immediately after the National Titles.

"I think of playing boccia as a bit like playing golf," said Dean.

"You can drive yourself nuts trying to perfect your swing or you can just go out and have fun with friends.

"Unfortunately, I seem to be one of those players who needs to drive himself nuts.

"I never thought for a moment that I would become so determined about a sport, but that's the way it's worked out.

"I've found the challenge very addictive and aim to achieve the best I can.

"You really don't know what you're capable of doing until you try," he said.

Kaitlin Watts, 15 Mar 2012 Interviewees: Dean Nottle and Tom Ferguson Photo: Naomi Bridges