Georgina Moore: "Finding boccia has led to so many positive experiences in my life"

Georgina Moore is determined not to rest until everybody knows just how special the sport of boccia is.

As a trained primary school teacher, Moore has a unique understanding of how to create safe and inclusive environments where everybody can thrive. 

That’s exactly what prompted the 40-year-old to set up her own boccia club, GEM Boccia, in her hometown of Yate in Bristol, which operates under the ethos of ‘inclusive to all’. 

“For me, an inclusive space is one that anybody can be a part of. I always say you don’t have to be disabled to join my club, so if someone wants to bring a sibling or a friend, they are always welcome,” she said.

“Boccia is a sport where you can throw the ball, kick the ball or use a ramp, so it’s incredibly inclusive. It’s also so sociable - meeting people and making friends is a big part of playing sport so we always make sure there’s time for that during our training sessions too.”

Fostering participation

The turnout of Moore’s first boccia session surpassed even her own hopes and expectations, forming the fuel that continues to motivate her quest to make boccia accessible to all.

GEM boccia club is open to people of any age or ability, with some members taking part in local competitions and others attending socially, but Moore is keen to stress both have equal value. 

“The physical and mental benefits of playing boccia are so important,” she said. “Learning how to be part of a team and communicate with others is also a real-life skill. I get a front-row seat to watch people at my club learn that daily. 

“Finding boccia has led to so many positive experiences in my own life too. I’ve been able to raise the profile of boccia and inclusive sport to levels I could never have imagined.”

Paralympic dream

In 2019 Moore won South West Unsung Hero Sports Personality of the Year, a testament not just to the success of her club, but her unrelenting commitment to making sport inclusive to all in the south west. 

This is just one in a long list of achievements the Bristol local has accumulated over the years.

Having dedicated the last seven years to helping others hone their game, Moore has not forgotten about her own dream of one day competing on one of the world's biggest sporting stages.

“The hope is I keep getting invited to internationals and the GB squad will spot me and select me for LA 2028,” said Moore.

“To even just represent England is such an achievement but to be winning medals, gold medals, is a real ‘wow’ moment. It adds to the pressure but I went to the Paralympics in Paris and it was really inspiring.

“I would love to be a part of that in LA. It’s a competitive environment but there is such good sportsmanship in boccia and that’s something I am really trying to instil at my club too.”