Logan Hospital Rehabilitation Patients are bowling down barriers with Boccia.
Thanks to support from the Logan Hospital Fund, Sporting Wheelies have brought their weekend program to the Logan Hospital Rehab Ward and are on a mission to make rehabilitation more rewarding.
Similar to Bocce, Boccia is a bowling game, requiring concentration, strategy and accuracy. Working in teams or individually, participants throw, kick or use a ramp to propel leather balls as close as possible to the target. The sport is played up to a Paralympic level.
The Sporting Wheelies Boccia program supports patients who are recovering from stroke, or neurological and complex medical conditions that require assistance from a full rehabilitation team.
Megan Evans, Logan Hospital’s Enrolled Nurse Advanced Skills, played a key role in bringing the program to Logan Hospital, after recognising the benefits from her experience at the PAH Brain Injuries and Rehabilitation Unit.
“Many patients have challenges such as reduced mobility, weakness, problems with balance or coordination, and fatigue. Some also experience changes in thinking, communication, or emotions, which can affect their confidence, motivation and social engagement.” She revealed.
Minna Locksley, Nurse Unit Manager at Logan Hospital highlighted the importance of the program for patients.
“Rehabilitation can be a long and tiring journey, and weekends in particular can be difficult because there are fewer scheduled therapy sessions. This can lead to boredom, low mood, and less engagement in their recovery.
“Programs like this are important because they keep patients active, mentally stimulated, socially connected, and working toward their rehab goals—even on weekends. They provide a supportive and inclusive environment that helps patients stay motivated and continue building their independence.”
Participating in sport has many physical, mental and social benefits for patients. The program supports important aspects of physical therapy, promoting movement, coordination, strength and independence. Being part of a team and shared experiences also encourages social connection, in turn reducing patients’ feelings of isolation.
Minna Locksley has seen firsthand how the funding, made possible by generous community members who choose the Logon Hospital fund as their place to give, has benefited patients.
“The funding has made a real difference for our patients. These sessions help improve patients’ mental wellbeing, reduce boredom, and give them something enjoyable and meaningful to look forward to, during what can otherwise be long, quiet weekends in hospital.
“By introducing inclusive sports and recreational activities, the program improves the overall patient experience and shows how community donations can directly benefit patient wellbeing,” she said.
We spoke to Sporting Wheelies representative Joshua Advaney about the partnership.
“Sporting Wheelies has a long-standing commitment to supporting Queenslanders living with disability through inclusive sport and recreation.
“The program is now available at Logan Hospital, giving patients a fun and welcoming way to get active during rehab. Alongside sport, Sporting Wheelies provides allied health services to support participants’ goals and overall wellbeing,” Joshua said.
Learn more about Boccia here: https://youtu.be/a8xqgv2pk9g?si=IeYS95eWkNjVPIgg
The program connects patients with community programs that are accessible long after their hospital stay. This encourages continued physical activity and long term participation in the community.
It is thanks to the generosity of the Logan Fund’s supporters that this partnership is made possible. On behalf of the Logan Hospital staff, Minna expressed her gratitude towards donors.
“Your support turns generosity into real impact — improving recovery experiences, strengthening resilience, and helping our patients regain confidence as they transition back into the community.
“Thank you for making this possible.”
For anyone who wishes to continue to play after their hospital stay ends, Sporting Wheelies runs the Brisbane City Social Boccia Leage Wednesdays 4pm at their Milton clubhouse. Their facilities have six permanent Boccia courts, providing access to participants outside of league sessions.
If you’d like to support projects like the Boccia program and improve patient experiences, make the Logan Hospital Fund your place to give here.
For more information, on the Boccia program visit www.sportingwheelies.org.au
