Adam Burnett, Osage City Chamber of Commerce member and employee of Resource Center for Independent Living, is not only busy at work, he also is active participating in the sport of boccia. He has been very successful in recent competitions at the national level.
Burnett, originally of Melvern and now Osage City, has worked at RCIL, in Osage City, since 2002. He was introduced to the Paralympic sport of boccia in 2016. Boccia is a throwing sport that tests an athlete’s coordination, accuracy, concentration, and ability to strategize. It can be played in a team or pair or individual competition.
What started out for Burnett as playing “just for fun” became more serious following a third place finish at the U.S. national tournament in 2016. He was then selected to Team USA in 2017 and represented the United States in two international tournaments that year, first in Montreal, Quebec, and then in Cali, Colombia.
Burnett won gold at the US National Tournament in 2017, but he is most proud of being a member of the first BC4 pair to ever win an international match for the United States, when he and his partner defeated Argentina last summer in Colombia.
“It’s really exciting and an honor to wear the Team USA gear and represent my local communities when we travel and compete,” Burnett said.
Most recently, he participated in Montreal in April 2018, and won his second national championship on July 1, 2018, in Chicago, Ill.
He said he loves the challenge of the sport and credits his wife, Beth, for holding him accountable and pushing him to continue practicing and improving his skills. Burnett said he also thanks USD 420 and Osage City Parks and Recreation for allowing him access to train.
“Thanks also to the Twin Lakes Cruisers, RCIL, and countless other individuals who have encouraged me and helped support my efforts,” he said.
Burnett’s ultimate goal is to help Team USA qualify for the 2024 or 2028 Paralympic games.
To follow his journey visit the “Team Adam” page on Facebook or see www.usaboccia.org.