Region I 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 Illinois 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 the 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

All players will compete in a minimum of two bocce games. Games will be 30 minutes or 12/16 points (12 points singles and doubles,16 points teams), or, whichever comes first.

Open court format. Once a court is open we will call the next match. Singles, doubles, teams, Unified doubles, and Unified teams competitions are available.

Facility Information

Parking is located to the east of the football field, restrooms on site, concessions will be open for purchase as well as souvenirs.
The parking lot to the venue is located across from the Mattoon Gymnastics Academy on Shelby Ave.

Event Details

8:30 AM: Registration
9:15 AM: Opening Ceremonies
9:30 AM: Competition starts
11:30 AM – 1 PM (approximate): Lunch

Volunteer Information

Check back later for more information.

Equipment

Teams should bring their own water bottles, chairs, tents or umbrellas as we will be outside all day.
Athletes need to be dressed to compete, wear athletic shoes (no boots/dress shoes), shorts or athletic pants and no jewelry or medals/ribbons should be worn during competition.
Dress in layers, the morning starts cold and warms up.

Awards

Awards will be presented after the completion of each division. If an athlete misses an award their coach may pick up the award. We will not be doing multiple award ceremonies.

Concessions

Lunch and water will be provided for all registered athletes and coaches and all day volunteers.

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.

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