June brings the start of Bocce Ball season. We generally practice on Tuesday evenings in Bloomington. During the first few weeks of practice, athletes must be present so that scores can be collected and sent to register for Regionals. Regional and state competitions may be on a grass court, so athletes get experience on different surfaces.
Although bocce is not always known to most athletes and families, it’s a sport for most everyone who can hold the bocce ball. Our team also competes with modified bocce ball sets that are smaller and lighter in weight for our younger athletes. The idea is to throw a ball close to the small, white ball called a pallina. The player with the balls closest to the pallina earns points. A score of 12 wins the match.
Typical attire is shorts, a t-shirt and closed-toe shoes, typically tennis shoes.
Bocce is played as singles, doubles or unified doubles. If needed, athletes may use a ramp for launching a bocce ball. This sport is a great opportunity for athletes to play as a doubles team with a fellow teammate or as a unified team with a family member. The family or friend must complete Level 1 Coach training to become a Unified Partner. See www.somn.org to register to be a Unified Partner.
Visit specialolympicsminnesota.org/sports/bocce for more information.
Specific details of the season and registration will be sent out through the Team G Newsletter. Subscribe to receive notices.
