Boccia, a sport practiced in more than 50 countries and which has been on the Paralympic programme since 1984, will be held at the Riocentro Centre in the main Barra venue cluster next year.

Governing body President David Hadfield and vice-president Joaquim Viegas each visited the Brazilian city for a series of progress meetings with Rio 2016 officials. 

"We discussed all aspects of the Games with the Organising Committee, and I am convinced they will provide an extraordinary experience for athletes and spectators alike," said Hadfield.

"Rio is a beautiful and unique setting; the people are warm and welcoming, and preparation for the Games is going well."

Brazilian hope Dirceu Jose Pinto won an individual BC4 boccia gold medal at London 2012 ©Getty Images



While several of the sports have strongly criticised slow construction progress at many of the venues, the Paralympic Movement has taken a far more positive approach, refusing to say almost anything negative, in public at least, about preparations.

"I think the athletes can look forward to a fantastic Games; the Athletes' Village is beautifully designed and is very close to the Olympic Park where boccia will be played," said Viegas,

"The boccia stadium is under construction and will seat 10,000 spectators - nearly twice the capacity of London, so we can expect a very lively Brazilian atmosphere during the competition."

The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games are due take place between September 7 and 18 and will feature 22 sports including, for the first time, canoeing and triathlon events. 

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