Making its debut as a Paralympic sport in 1984, Boccia tests each competitors degree of muscle control and accuracy. Competing in wheelchairs, athletes with severe impairments throw, kick or use a ramp device to propel leather balls on a hard flat surface as close as possible to a white ball which serves as the jack (target). Athletes compete in team and individual events on an equal level.
Today Boccia is a played competitively at national and international level. Boccia was originally played by athletes with cerebral palsy, but now includes athletes with other disabilities which affect motor skills. Boccia is also widely played as an educational and recreational game, particularly in schools.