TOWN Mayor Pat Frost launched the new Farnham Boccia Club by throwing the first ball down and wishing the club good luck.

She said: “I’d like to say well done to our local sports council for coming up with another new sporting initiative for Farnham.

“Boccia is a Paralympic sport and it’s something that I’m sure will be a popular community sports activity for all ages and abilities, but especially those with disabilities.”

She also thanked Bourne Club for hosting the launch event, disability group RU ABLE2 for providing the help, equipment and expertise at the launch, and Post 19 who help young people with learning difficulties.

Also attending the launch were officers from Sport England, Waverley Borough Council and Farnham Town Council, as well as Bourne Club president David Carew-Jones.

Boccia (pronounced botcha) is a Paralympic sport originally designed for athletes with severe impairment. It is a target ball sport similar in principle to bowls or boules, but is played indoors with soft leather balls.

Great Britain sent a full squad of nine players to the London 2012 Paralympics and won two medals – silver and bronze. GB hosted the 2015 European Team and Pairs Championships last July at the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford, winning one gold and one silver medal.

David Gill, chairman of Farnham Sports Council, said: “Setting up a boccia club in Farnham has been on our radar for several years, following the taster sessions we’ve held at the Farnham Community Games. We expect the new club to kick off later this month and, if anyone is interested, we’re very keen to have both players and helper volunteers to join the new venture.

“It is a sport that’s very easy to pick up and you can learn the basics straight away, but it’s also a sport of intriguing tactics, incredible skill and, like many sports, moments of nail-biting tension. Once you have a go, you’ll be hooked.”

Organisers are awaiting confirmation for a taster course location. Further details will be announced on the Farnham Sports Council website (www.farnhamsportscouncil.co.uk) once the venue has been confirmed.