Ensuring the rules & spirit of the game are adhered to by his fellow athletes

Ciaran Kiely, a Special Olympics GB athlete and National Games gold medallist, from St Albans, loves his sport, boccia. So much so, that he now volunteers as an official to oversee the game ensuring the rules and the spirit of the game are adhered to by his fellow athletes.  

Ciaran is one of many athletes who we are starting to see bringing their lived experiences and passion for their sport into the coaching and officiating domain and inspiring other Special Olympics athletes in the process. 

In Ciaran’s own words, he’s been playing boccia “for ages” and continues to play with his programme Special Olympics St Albans. But why has he taken up officiating alongside his playing? Here is what he had to say…

"Boccia officiating is new to me, and while I play the game a lot, I wanted to know the game a bit more, so my local programme helped me to find a course. That course was a Boccia England L1 Officiating course.

"There was a lot of work to complete the course, it wasn’t easy because all the tasks were on paper, and to be honest I would prefer to complete tasks online, I’m very good with my digital skills. 

"What I really enjoyed about the course was meeting a lot of new people and we were all working together, supporting each other, it was the best thing. 

"I am very happy to say that I successfully completed the course and I am already thinking about moving onto a Level 2 in the future. 

"Before that though, I want to put my officials qualification to the test at the next competition and keep my fellow athletes in check!" 

This is Inclusion in Action.