The tournament, due to be staged at the Surrey Sports Park on July 25 and 26, will see the top eight ranked European nations in the BC1/BC2 team, BC3 pair and BC4 pair events competing, with the winners from each class booking their place at Rio 2016. 

"I am delighted that the first ever Boccia European Team and Pairs Competition is going to be held in Great Britain," David Hadfield, President of Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed), said.

"UK Sport, which is supporting the Championships as part of its 'Road to Rio', has always been a great supporter of BISFed and we look forward to showcasing the best of European boccia during a weekend when the nation's attention will be focused on Paralympic sport."

Hosts Britain are the favourites, with world rankings of one in the BC1/BC2 team, two in the BC3 pair and two in the BC4 pair, and Paralympic medallist David Smith is looking forward to competing.

"This is an incredible opportunity on home soil to qualify for Rio," said the London 2012 BC1 individual silver and BC1/BC2 team bronze medal winner.

"With the benefit of our National Lottery support we have been training hard at Surrey Sports Park and we are prepared to take on the best of Europe to win those slots."

David Smith won the BC1 individual silver and BC1/BC2 team bronze medals at the London 2012 Paralympics and is aiming to reach the podium again at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images


Although it is not ticketed, the event is sure to draw a crowd of spectators, particularly as the finals coincide with National Paralympic Day on July 26.

As well as watching the action, visitors can also try out the sport of boccia.

"We are very excited to be hosting the 2015 Boccia European Team and Pairs Championships." John Dowson, chair of GB Boccia, said.

"This is a very important staging post on the Road to Rio with GB athletes preparing well after their medal success at last year's World Championships in Beijing and we are grateful for UK Sport's support in hosting the competition."

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