Boccia is a target ball sport from the same family as bowls and is a Paralympic sport for athletes with disabilities affecting motor skills.

The competition in Northern Ireland will be held at the multi-million pound sports facilities at the Jordanstown campus from August 18-27.

Over 400 competitors from across the globe will be competing in he hope of securing a spot at the Paralympic Games.

Northern Ireland's Sports Minister Nelson McCausland said: "Through this competition over 500 competitors and coaches from over 30 countries will be in Northern Ireland to compete.

"My Department, through Sport Northern Ireland has been working with governing bodies of sport and local councils for some time, targeting teams and athletes to visit Northern Ireland for events and training in the run-up to 2012.

"Many of those discussions are now bearing fruit, such as the Boccia World Cup."

The University of Ulster will stage the competition following a successful bid from the University of Ulster-Disability NI backed by GB Boccia Federation.

The sporting venue has already played host to the 2009 Junior and Cadet World Fencing Championships and a host of international sports teams as a training venue, including the Italian national rugby team, Northern Ireland soccer team, and the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games boxing team.

"This summer we hope to announce a sailing event for Olympic teams and a further programme of Paralympic event," Northern Ireland's Sports Minister continued.

"We are in discussions with several Olympic and Paralympic teams with an outlook to train here in Northern Ireland next year as part of their preparation for 2012 and details of these will be announced once necessary paperwork is completed.

"Being selected to host an international event, is a team sport in itself as demonstrated by the successful partnership approach of University of Ulster and GB Boccia, supported by Sport Northern Ireland and UK Sport."

University of Ulster Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett, said: "As Ireland's leading university for sport we are delighted to be hosting the 2011 Boccia World Cup."

Cornelis van Eldik from CPISRA added: "The World Cup is a qualifying event for the London 2012 Paralympic Games and therefore the athletes require the highest standard of facilities and environment to prepare.

"CPISRA is delighted to bring the Boccia World Cup to Northern Ireland and to the University of Ulster at Jordanstown."

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