Last month on Friday, 13th December, the Cummings Park Community Centre transformed into a festive hub of competition and camaraderie as a group of women in Northfield came together to celebrate another year of playing Boccia and the newly introduced Cornhole, by running two tournaments.

Boccia is an inclusive sport that is played seated. Like Boules, the goal of Boccia is to throw or roll leather balls as close as possible to a white target ball, called the jack. Cornhole is an American “lawn game” popular in casual and competitive settings, often played outdoors during social gatherings. The aim is to toss beanbags into a hole on an inclined wooden board from a set distance.

With a Christmas theme setting the stage, the event marked the end of a successful year of weekly sessions that have provided not only physical activity but also vital support networks for the participants.

The championships showcased the strong bond between community sport and Aberdeen City Council’s Family Learning department, highlighting the positive impact of these activities on local families. Boccia and Cornhole have become staples of the programme, offering inclusive and enjoyable ways for women to connect and unwind.

A Year of Success and Connection

The sessions at Cummings Park have been more than just games; they’ve been a bright spot for women navigating the challenges of parenting, mental health, and everyday life.

 As Helen Polson, Coordinator of Family Learning at Aberdeen City Council, explained: “The parents have really enjoyed the activities, and a few could go on to complete Boccia leadership training. It’s been great introducing cornhole to the group. The parents and children have really loved it.”

Joe Coleman, Lead Community Sports Hub Coordinator at Sport Aberdeen, who has been working closely with the group for over a year, shared similar sentiments:

“It’s been brilliant to see such enthusiasm for playing Boccia. The weekly sessions are not just about the sport but also an important opportunity to connect, socialise, and let off steam. Introducing the sport of cornhole was a bit of a shot in the dark, but it has proved so popular with the group, I have no doubt we are going to see more cornhole being played across the city in 2025.”

Festive Fun and Fierce Competition

The Christmas-themed event was filled with holiday cheer, from mince pies and festive tunes to the thrill of competition. The introduction of tournament formats added an extra layer of excitement, as participants competed for the prestige of winner’s trophies. The atmosphere reached a fever pitch during the cornhole tournament’s sudden-death final, which rivalled the tension of a World Cup penalty shootout.

In the end, it was Samantha Dale who emerged victorious, taking home first place in both Boccia and Cornhole. Runners-up Jolene Whyte and Gemma King also deserve special mention for their outstanding performances.

Looking Ahead

The success of the Cummings Park Boccia and Cornhole sessions highlights the importance of the work our community sport team is doing, fostering connections and well-being. Following the end of 2024, the team’s achievements serve as a testament to the power of coming together through shared activities.

Here’s to another year of building friendships, staying active, and supporting one another — with even more Boccia and Cornhole to look forward to in 2025!