Aaron travels to Queensland for sport

Aaron has only recently started playing Boccia but has already helped the New South Wales team take home the State Shield at the National Titles!

He lives in a Northcott house in Parramatta and travelled to Logan in Queensland to participate in the 2023 Boccia Australia National Titles. Aaron explains that organising the trip was quite an undertaking:

“There is a lot of preparation that goes into a tournament like this. You’ve got to arrange the flights, accommodation, food, medicines and also look after your mental and physical well-being.”

Staying in an accessible home-away-from-home

To make things a little easier, Aaron stayed at the Northcott Short Stay facility on the Gold Coast – known as ‘Our Getaway’. This 6-bedroom accommodation was custom designed with accessibility in mind and features celling hoists, hi-lo beds, an accessible kitchen and many other features. Staff are on-site 24 hours to look after personal care needs.

“That was really good, a very nice place,” comments Aaron.

A quick rise to the top of the fastest growing Paralympic sport

The tournament was held over four days at Logan Metro Sports & Events Centre. Aaron travelled up to Logan each day and played two games per day with the NSW Team.

Boccia is perhaps most similar to bowls and is one of the fastest growing Paralympic sports. Players are required to be seated when releasing the ball, and most play from a wheelchair. Players can throw, kick or use a ramp to get the ball where they want it to go.

“Some friends of mine got me involved, playing at Penrith Boccia Club,” explains Aaron, “the game is good for the mind, very strategic.”

It has been a quick rise in the sport for Aaron, ending with him being selected for the NSW squad at the tournament and helping them win the State Shield.

Supported to succeed

Aaron’s trip to Queensland was supported by two support workers, one of his housemates travelling as support, the Gold Coast Short Stay Coordinator, Jackie and her staff as well as his House Manager in Parramatta, Suvashish, who has encouraged Aaron all along.

What’s next for Aaron? He clearly enjoyed the experience and is quick to announce, “I’m hoping to compete next in Tasmania next!.”