Practicing for an international-level competition of any sport requires hard work and dedication, but that preparation takes even more persistence for 19-year-old Gardner resident Elizabeth “Lizzie” Flora-Swick.

Flora-Swick, who was born with cerebral palsy, will compete in the 2013 Boccia Americas Cup on Aug. 2-9 at the New Century Field House near Gardner. Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that limits one’s body movement.

“I practice about four times a week for an hour and a half at a time,” she said. “I get pretty tired.”

Although internationally recognized, boccia isn’t a well-known game in the United States.

via Gardner woman to compete on U.S. paralympic boccia team | CJOnline.com.