A MULTIPLE world record holder from Ayr has been picked to join a "world class" boccia programme.

Kayleigh Haggo, who holds world records in frame-running over 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and 5000m, has been picked to join UK Sport's World Class Programme in the sport of boccia - a precision ball sport, similar to bocce, and related to bowls and pétanque.

The Ayr athlete made her first appearance for Boccia UK at the World Boccia Poznan Challenger in August after attending a 'Girls in Boccia' event last February.

Kayleigh juggles training and competing alongside her job as an Active Schools Coordinator for people with additional support needs in South Ayrshire.

In 2017, she was named as one of 30 most inspiring women under 30 by YMCA Scotland.

Her achievements last year saw her invited to switch on Ayr's Christmas lights display in November.

Kayleigh said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected onto the World Class Programme.

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"Words cannot describe how excited, happy and grateful I am for this opportunity.

"Huge thanks to UK Sport, the National Lottery and Boccia UK for their support and for believing in me. I can’t wait for this next opportunity.”

In total, there are now 12 athletes in the Boccia UK squad - including Dundonald's Jamie McCowan, who competed at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

They each receive funding as part of the World Class Programme, with each athlete supported at day-to-day training and any competitions they attend thanks to UK Sport, The National Lottery and the DCMS. 

Boccia UK oerformance director Greg Baker said: “To achieve selection to the World Class Programme, an athlete needs to demonstrate realistic medal winning capabilities for future Paralympic Games.

"We are really excited to welcome Robyn, Fiona, Kayleigh and Sally onto the programme which really improves our strength and depth at international tournaments.

“Boccia is a thoroughly demanding and exacting sport and we are confident that the new athletes joining the programme have got what it takes to be successful at this level.

"They have each demonstrated a problem solving and highly strategic mindset that is required to be a world class boccia player and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”