Region A Bocce

What Is Bocce?

Bocce is an ancient sport invented during the Roman Empire. The game combines the skills of bowling with the accuracy of darts. Players try to get their bocce balls closer to the pallina (target ball) than their opponents. Individuals can participate in Bocce as a traditional single player or as part of traditional doubles or team. Unified bocce is available in doubles and team formats. Unified sports combine a Special Olympics athlete with a non-disabled peer as partners or on teams for competition.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped into competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender when appropriate.

Athletes in Illinois who participate in Bocce compete locally at a region qualifying event. Gold medal winners are eligible to advance to state championship held at the Summer Games held in Normal in June.

Bocce Events Offered in Illinois

Traditional

• Singles competition
  • Doubles competition
  • Team competition

Unified

• Doubles competition
  • Team competition

Competition Information

Region A bocce is the qualifier for Summer Games. Traditional and Unified bocce will be available.
Athletes must choose one event to participate in.

As in the past, we are using match slots, and not times.  The maximum amount of time a match can take is 30 minutes. Pay attention to your assigned court as the next match will start as soon as possible to the conclusion of the match before.  We will present awards after the division has completed play in a separate awards area that can be accessible for spectators.

Only coaches and athletes will be allowed on the competition area, but there is seating in a second story balcony and some space on the main floor for spectators.  Spectators will not be allowed in the immediate competition area.  There is not much seating on the field, so we are recommending to bring your own chairs. 

A Reminder on the Uniform Requirements for this competition –

No advertising or sponsorship is allowed to be worn on competition uniforms or warm-ups. Athletes/Unified Partners will not be allowed to wear jewelry or awards during competition. No jeans, jean shorts, street shoes or other non-athletic attire will be allowed to be worn during the competition. Athletes/Unified Partners will be expected to dress appropriately for the weather and competition. Athletes/Unified Partners not in the proper attire will be disqualified. Tennis shoes, shorts, sweat pants, agency t-shirt or polo shirt will be the proper attire for competition. Players will not be permitted to play without shoes.

Facility Information

We will have use of the fieldhouse and turf field.

Event Details

Please note an update on times!!  Registration will begin at 9:00 AM with a short Opening Ceremony at 9:45 and matches beginning at 10:00 AM.

Registration will be at 9:00 AM.
Opening Ceremony will be at 9:45 AM.
Events begin at 10:00 AM.

Volunteer Information

Click the button below to register as a volunteer.

Equipment

Athletes should bring their own PPE and water. Athletes should follow the rule interpretations regarding uniforms. Bocce equipment will be provided.

Awards

Awards will be given after divisions finish in designated areas.

Concessions

Lunch will be provided for all registered athletes, coaches, Unified partners and volunteers.

Concession stand is not available. You can bring your own snacks, but they are not to be eaten on the turf playing field.

Supporting Documents

To see a complete list of all State Championship Competitions, click here.

To find out more information about the Knights of Columbus, who support Special Olympics Illinois throughout the year, click here.

2023 Region A Bocce Schedule

2023 Region A Bocce Final Rosters

Results

2023 Region A Bocce Results

All Gold Medal winners qualify to advance to the 2023 State Summer Games to be held on June 9-11 in Normal, Il. 

Here is the link for entry forms for State Summer Games:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GJW7Qy3SjAXx9bjlfddxTVncfh2BkabB.  

Please note that if you have multiple event entries, they should be submitted all at once.  This would include Swimming, Bocce, Athletics, Soccer, Powerlifting and other sports that are held with Summer Games.  Region A State Summer Games entries are due to me by 12:00 PM on May 16.  Region F – Please check with your region staff for your entry deadline.

Who We Are

Special Olympics is a global organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, every day around the world. Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 9,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.

COVID Procedures

Unless a venue has specific COVID protocols in place, Special Olympics Illinois is following Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC COVID protocols and guidelines. Please refer to event specific information or website page (if applicable) to determine if the venue has any specific COVID protocols. 

Special Olympics Illinois is committed to providing the best athlete, volunteer, coach and supporter environment possible. While we are excited to resume in-person events, the health and well-being of our constituents remains our top priority. All of our in person events follow the COVID-19 recommended IDPH and CDC guidelines. 

Please review the COVID High-Risk fact sheet for more information:

https://www.soill.org/wp-content/uploads/2-High-Risk-Fact-Sheet-7.9.20.pdf