A BOCCIA player who enjoyed the experience of competing in the British Championships which saw her come up against the world champion, says she has her sights on the Paralympic Games.
Caroline Robinson, 44, travelled to Belfast and have the "positive experience" of taking part in the championships.
Boccia is a precision ball sport, related to bowls, which is contested at local, national and international levels by athletes with physical disabilities.
Caroline came third in her group of four, just missing out on the next stage after losing one of her matches in a tie-break.
In her other games she won one 4-2 and lost to world number one David Smith.
Caroline in practice in Belfast
Caroline, says she hopes the experience, which included facing off against multi-medallist Paralympian David Smith MBE, will be a springboard for her with Great Britain squad members watching on.
Caroline, who has cerebral palsy, hopes to get into the England team and says her long-term ambition would be to compete at the Paralympics in Paris in 2024.
"It was really good, a really positive experience," said Caroline, 44.
"Unfortunately I didn't get out of the group stage, I was drawn with the world champion.
"On a positive note, a couple of the Great Britain team leaders, their talent development squad said I played really well against David Smith and they're keeping their eye on me now to push me further," added Caroline, who plays for the Liverpool-based Greenbank Giants.
"It was a really positive experience, there were people there from all the four nations. Northern Ireland Disability Sport put on a really good show and organised it well.
"I think I've put myself on a good platform to show what I can do for the future."
Caroline, who has a raft of medals and trophies under her belt, has to raise the funds herself to compete.
"I'd like to say a big thank you to family and friends who supported me financially to compete in the British Championship, particularly Jason Dwyer at Aids 4 Mobility who kindly sponsored me."
- Anyone who wishes to support Caroline with sponsorship or funding can get in touch with Caroline on caroline757@gmail.com
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