Ukrainian refugee does Waterford proud in Boccia competitions
Artem Ruban, Waterford's boccia champion, has made remarkable progress following an accident outside the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and since fleeing the war in Ukraine.
A Ukrainian man who is living in Waterford has won big in Boccia competitions this year.
Artem Ruban is a Ukrainian refugee who became paraplegic following an accident outside the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
When the war in Ukraine broke out, he sought temporary protection in Wexford for a short time alongside his mother Lidia, before relocating to Treacy's Hotel in Waterford where he currently resides.
Artem has made remarkable progress since living in Waterford and travels by train to Dublin every Saturday with his Mam to train for Boccia, a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.
Artem recently won gold at both Munster and Leinster Boccia Championships. He also achieved the bronze medal at the “PK Boccia annual competition in honour of Paige Kelly”.
Boccia (‘Bot-cha’) is a Paralympic sport introduced in 1984. According to Boccia Ireland, it is a precision ball sport that requires accuracy and strategy.
The sport is played indoors on a court.
It was originally introduced for people with cerebral palsy but now is played by those with a range of impairments that affect motor skills. Boccia is unique in the fact that anyone can play, despite their age, gender, height, weight or disability.
It is a game that demands strategy and accuracy and is played on a flat, smooth surface, where players must throw or roll coloured balls as close as possible to a white target ball, known as the “jack”. The player, pair or team with the most balls near the jack is the winner.
Artem says he is very proud to be representing Waterford in a sport which he loves. He is dedicated to his training plan, which includes a routine of pool training.
He has aspirations for many more gold medals in the near future.
