Region D Bocce – Park and Agency Divisions

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 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

Game play: Athletes will play traditional round robin game play with singles, doubles and teams.

Final divisions are created prior to competition and athletes will play at their assigned court.

Facility Information

There are courts all around the park grounds as wee as bathrooms and some street parking.

Event Details

Volunteer check in – 7:30- 8:00 AM
Team check in – 8:30-9:00 AM
Opening Ceremony – 9:15 AM
Games will begin at 10:00 AM
Awards- Immediately following competition
Competition ends – 2:30 PM

Volunteer Information

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Equipment

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Awards

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Concessions

Lunch will be provided to athletes and coaches (on a 3:1) ratio. Registered volunteers will be provided lunch as well.

Supporting Documents

To see a complete list of all state tournaments, click here.

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

Who We Are

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. 

If you are interested in being a part of Special Olympics Illinois and its vision, contact your local region, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org. Follow Special Olympics Illinois on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter.  

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