Bocce

Bocce

History
Greek colonists brought Bocce with them to what is now modern Italy. It was Giussepi Garibaldi, who, while unifying and nationalizing Italy, popularized the sport, as it is known today. Bocce frequently lost and gained popularity throughout the ages. In 1896, during a resurgence of popularity, the first Bocce Olympiad was held in Athens, Greece. Bocce has been a part of international sports ever since.

Basic Rules
Bocce is a game of skill and strategy. There may be anywhere from two to four to eight players on a team. Each player is given two balls (boccia). Each player must then take turns rolling (lagging) the ball toward the pallino ball (the smallest ball), which has already been thrown onto the field. The players are given points for the balls thrown closest to the pallino ball. Players may also throw on the fly (volo), striking the ball to move the point ball. Balls, including the pallino, may also be displaced by the balls of other players.

Bocce With Special Olympics Texas
The Special Olympics bocce program has events for singles, doubles and team competition and is offered in over 30 programs worldwide. As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are placed in divisions according to ability, age and gender.

Training for local, regional and national competition provides all athletes with opportunities for success. Bocce is one of Special Olympics' newer sports, having been introduced at the World Games level for the first time in 1991.

Bocce is in the fall sports schedule for Special Olympics Texas with statewide competition at the Fall Classic in October. The following events are sanctioned by Special Olympics Texas and are to be offered at all local, area and chapter competitions. The actual events scheduled and conducted at local, area and chapter competitions will be determined by a minimum number of entries in each event.

Events
Singles Competition
Doubles Competition
Team Competition
Modified (Ramp)
Half Court
Unified Sports™ Doubles Competition
Unified Sports™ Team Competition