BISFed is planning a full calendar of boccia events for the end of 2021 ©Getty Images

The Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed) is planning to return to a full calendar of events by the final quarter of 2021.

BISFed President David Hadfield addressed the upcoming year in the annual report for 2020. 

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of all sport worldwide and BISFed-sanctioned events were among those cancelled. 

Only a test event for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, described by Hadfield as a "real success", was able to take place in February last year.

Looking forward to 2021, Hadfield revealed BISFed would make a decision in February on the staging of the World Open in Povoa in Portugal in July. 

If competition does take place, athletes who are set to compete at the postponed Paralympic Games will have priority. 

The first three BISFed-sanctioned events of 2021, in France, Spain and Croatia, have already had to be cancelled due to the global health crisis. 

On the Paralympics, which are now scheduled to be held in the Japanese capital from August 24 to September 5, Hadfield said he was sure it would be a "very special experience for everyone."

BISFed is then planning on hosting regional competitions at the end of 2021 as normal. 

BISFed President David Hadfield provided an annual report for members ©LinkedIn
BISFed President David Hadfield provided an annual report for members ©LinkedIn

These will act as qualifiers for the 2022 World Boccia Championships. 

BISFed is deliberating between two bids for the event and is set to announce the successful location this month. 

Hadfield also revealed the new logo for the World Boccia brand in the report. 

BISFed will continue to be used in formal settings, such as representation with the International Paralympic Committee, while World Boccia is set to be used in conjunction with sanctioned competitions, online and in any marketing activities.

In addition, Hadfield announced the news that Ghana had become a member of BISFed. 

He signed off the report by thanking all the members of the governing body.

"I want to thank all of our members once again for their support during this difficult year," Hadfield said. 

"We know it is important to you to have a strong International Federation, and I am sure we will emerge from the pandemic with stronger processes and technology and with a full programme of events for athletes to look forward to."