Chalé is considered one of the pioneers of the sport in Catalonia and Spain, helping to set up both the Spanish Sports Federation of People with Cerebral Palsy and Acquired Brain Damage and the Catalan Federation of Cerebral Palsy.

He has held several roles within the sport, including director of the two federations, coach, medical classifier and referee.

Chalé's first appearance as an international referee came during the 1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona.

He went on to referee at numerous major competitions at international level.

"Miquel has been a person who lived for others, helping people who needed to improve their quality of life," Chalé's family said in a statement.

"His vocation has always been to show the world that wanting is power, valuing the different abilities of each one."

The BISFed said: "Thank you for all you have done for boccia.

"You will be missed."