Congratulations to the new World Boccia President and Treasurer

World Boccia are delighted to announce that Mr Jon Morgan OBE has been appointed as President and Mr Richard Boele as Treasurer, following elections at the recent General Assembly in Portugal. Jon was nominated by UK Boccia and Richard by Boccia Australia. Both have previous World Boccia Board experience. World Boccia would also like to thank Dr Ahmed Adam for his interest in the role of Treasurer. Mr David Hadfield OBE (Immediate Past President) was given the role of Honorary Vice President of World Boccia in appreciation of the incredible amount he has done for our sport.

Jon first joined the World Boccia Board in 2017 as Treasurer. He more recently held the dual position of Treasurer and Vice President. In March 2023, Jon became the Interim President. He also brings a wealth of experience to the role from leadership positions in other sports organisations. These include: CEO of Disability Sport Wales (2002-2017), Vice Chair of Commonwealth Games Wales (2015-2023) and Chairperson of the Board of Active Disability Ireland (2019-2023).

Regarding his appointment as President, Jon said:

‘’I would like to thank the membership of World Boccia for placing their confidence and trust in me to serve as their President for the next 4-year term. Whilst this is a particularly humbling moment for me, in equal measure, it is also an absolute honour and a privilege to represent this wonderful sporting community. The opportunity to work with our board, membership, executive team, and partners to help shape the future direction of boccia is very exciting and I have no doubt that we will continue to see our sport thrive. I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of our Immediate Past President Mr. David Hadfield OBE as well as thanking him for his wise guidance and counsel over many years. I know that the whole boccia community will join me in welcoming him into his new role as an Honorary Vice President of World Boccia.’’

Richard was appointed to the World Boccia board in February 2023. During this time, he has made a strong contribution providing strategic direction and challenge in both in his Board role and within the Business and Risk Committee. Richard is the Chief Purpose Office for KPMG Australia, reporting to the CEO, and the founding Partner of KPMG’s first dedicated human rights and social impact advisory team. He has also held a number of Board and advisory positions. These include six years on the United Nations Global Compact Network Australia, member of the Business and Human Rights Advisory Committee for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and four years as Chair of Boccia Australia. Two of Richard’s sons have played boccia and he has developed a true love and understanding of the sport through this.

Richard said:

“I’m humbled and thrilled to be elected World Boccia’s Treasurer. In the role I’m looking forward to serving our members and the world’s most inclusive sport, boccia!”

Both appointments will take place with immediate effect and were celebrated by a dinner with delegates who attended the General Assembly.

Paul Trayner (CEO) is very pleased with these outcomes:

“Myself and the executive team at World Boccia are delighted to welcome Jon and Richard into their new roles. Jon is well known to us all through his work in boccia over many years and both he and Richard’s exceptional wealth of business and sporting experience will put us in a great position as we focus on Paris next year and prepare for the LA 2028 cycle. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate David Hadfield on his appointment as Honorary Vice President and thank him for his support, leadership and wise counsel over so many years.”