Troy Farnsworth To Step Away From Boccia
Troy Farnsworth, who is known as “Mr Boccia” in Bermuda, is stepping away from the sport to spend more time with his family.
Farnsworth, who has served as an administrator and board member for Boccia Bermuda, has been instrumental in the development of the island’s top player Yushae DeSilva-Andrade.
She made history as the first boccia player from Bermuda to compete at a Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016.
DeSilva-Andrade advanced to the semi-finals in the BC1 event at the Paris Games last summer, before losing to eventual champion Aurelie Aubert of France.
Farnsworth, who arrived in Bermuda from Australia in 2006, told www.paralympic.org: “I was introduced to boccia through my background as an occupational therapist and then working for a charity, WindReach.
“They had a bunch of people who were playing boccia, but only recreationally. They said they were interested in going to a competition, so I got to work.”
Farnsworth was part of a small group that set up Boccia Bermuda in 2014, a volunteer-run governing body with a small board.
He has also helped Omar Hayward reach No 19 in the men’s BC1 world rankings.
Boccia Bermuda are now focused on the next cycle towards the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
“Our boccia athletes have definitely got their eyes on trying to make it to LA,” he added.
“I am always trying to educate people about boccia and that is my main message. It’s about the sport, this is elite sport, and the Paralympics is the pinnacle.
“I shall miss being involved.”
Full story: click here
