Some of the best Boccia players from Australia and New Zealand are in action in Christchurch this week.
Players aim to throw or roll leather balls as close as possible to a white target ball, known as the 'jack'.
The New Zealand Boccia Championships started rolling on Thursday at the Christchurch Netball Centre and will wind up on Sunday.
The tactical sport, played by athletes with significant physical disabilities, is described as a cross between bowls and pétanque.
Christchurch's Lilian Exton in action at the Boccia championships. Photo: Geoff Sloan
Players with severe disabilities are able to use ramps or other devices to help them roll the balls.
This national competition leads into the Halberg Games South festival this weekend, which caters for physically disabled and visually impaired athletes aged 8-21.
More than 60 competitors are expected to line up in 20 sports at the Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub on Saturday and Sunday.
- By Geoff Sloan, made with the support of NZ On Air
