Very sad news.

Paul Woodhead has been a big part of ParaFed Canterbury and the Boccia Club family for many years. Our thoughts go out to his family and everyone who knew Paul.

You will be missed mate.


Original post via the Boccia New Zealand Facebook:
Paul Woodhead (51), 7 August 1972 – 7 June 2024

It is with a heavy heart to inform the boccia world of the passing of Paul Woodhead. He died peacefully at home yesterday morning with family, in typical Paul style, being the boss and making sure things were as they should be.

Paul (or Woody as known by many) spent his life in Christchurch and was introduced to boccia in 1996 via a CCS Canterbury programme. He took an instant liking for the sport, and winning. With success came New Zealand representation and an opportunity to see the world. Paul made his international debut at the 1998 Boccia World Championships in New York, USA. He was also part of the team to the 1999 Boccia World Cup in Argentina and the 2002 Boccia World Championships in Portugal.

Sport loving Paul was known as a fiercely competitive player with a wicked (and somewhat dodgy) sense of humour. Although international travel was a bridge too far for his body after 2002, Paul continued to play the sport he loved throughout the country. In his 28-year career he won numerous BC3 and BC3 Pairs National titles and many more regional ones.

In his last week, many boccia tales from trips away with Canterbury and New Zealand boccia teams were regaled, followed by that infectious Woody laugh. Paul was fortunate to find boccia, and boccia was incredibly fortunate to have him. He will be greatly missed, and the courts around the country won’t be the same without him.

The family are having a small and private service to farewell Paul. However, there will be a celebration of Paul's life at the Richmond Club in Christchurch on Saturday, June 15 at 2pm. All that can are welcome to attend.

Article added: Saturday 08 June 2024