Sport / Boccia stars show off skills as annual Ability Shetland competition returns
ABILITY Shetland hosted its increasingly popular boccia competition this weekend, with the event returning for its fourth consecutive year.
The Clickimin Leisure Centre was buzzing with excitement as a total of 27 competitors – and an impressive turnout of supporters – arrived for what proved to be a fantastic day of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.
The competition began with four groups battling it out in the round-robin stage, with the top players progressing to the quarter-finals.
From the outset, spectators were treated to some exceptional and closely contested matches.
In the quarter-finals, young Odin Geddes impressed with a confident performance to secure a 4-0 win over John Clark, with Gina Leslie beating Simone Ritches 2-1 in a tight match.
Zandra Polson saw off Avril Starmore 3-0 in an outstanding display against her experienced opponent, with Malcolm Kelly beating Kaylee-Ann Best 2-0 in a high-quality contest to complete the final four.
The atmosphere intensified ahead of the semi-finals, which took place in front of a full audience.
Polson’s precise play saw her narrowly see off Geddes 2-1 in the closing stages of their match, while Leslie beat Kelly 2-0 after showing remarkable accuracy to earn her place in the final.
In the third place play-off between Kelly and Geddes, it was Kelly who came out on top 2-0 in an keenly contested contest.
That left just the final between, which was between Leslie and Polson for the Shetland 2025 boccia title.
There was top-class boccia on display in this showpiece, with two outstanding finalists, but it was Polson who held her nerve to win 2-0 and win the championship.
Ability Shetland extended heartfelt thanks to all competitors, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to making the event such a resounding success.
The charity said the competition once again highlighted the fantastic spirit and talent within Shetland’s inclusive sports community.
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