Hammond, whose contract will run through to 2013, joins from the English Institute of Sport where he is currently the regional director in the East Midlands region. 

 

He has extensive experience of elite sport having previously established and delivered a successful high performance programme for England Squash, producing a number of world champions during his time there.

 

Boccia is a sport for wheelchair users with cerebral palsy or related neurological conditions and is based on the popular French game of Boules or Petanque.

 

Hammond will receive an annual salary of between £35,000 and £45,000 for his new position for which he will be expected to "shape the future of GB Boccia by maximising the opportunity of starting with a 'blank canvas'."

 

Hammond said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be taking up the performance manager position.

 

"Britain are already ranked one in the world and I’m really excited about working with such a dynamic and forward thinking organisation.”

 

The GBBF chairman Anthony Hughes said: “Great Britain Boccia is delighted to announce their appointment of such an experienced candidate, we have big plans to move the sport forward over the next five years and Matt will be leading this for us.”

 

ParalympicsGB are sending a team of four Boccia athletes set to represent Britain at this summer’s Paralympic Games.

 

The team are currently ranked number one in the world within the BC1 / BC2 category. 

 

As well as the team event the athletes will compete in the individual competitions.