Region J Bocce – Postponed

Due to the weather forecasted for today (10/13) and tomorrow (10/14), we are postponing the 2023 Region J Bocce Competition. The weather conditions are expected to deteriorate over the next 12-24 hours making the playing surface and surrounding areas wet/muddy. Also the forecasted high winds, chilly temperatures and even colder wind chills will make playing conditions unfavorable for a quality competition. As always, the health and safety of the athletes, volunteers, fans and staff are our top priority.

We are currently working with our volunteer group and the City of Highland to confirm a new date in April 2024 to host this competition.

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 Illinois athlete with a person without an intellectual disability 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 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

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 available next to the field. Overflow parking is available at the rec center which is a short walk away. Restrooms are located in park pavilion. Event space is roped off on the soccer field. Spectators may set up lawn chairs around the event space.

Event Details

Please check back closer to the event for more information.

Volunteer Information

Please click here to register as a volunteer.

Equipment

Athletes should bring a refillable water bottle. Lawn chairs are strongly encouraged. Bleacher seats are very limited or not available.

Awards

Awards will be given based on place in each division in each event.

Concessions

Bottled water and Powerade will be available. Lunch will be served for athletes and coaches.

Special Guests

Athlete Leaders from the region will be on-hand to help with key portions of the event.

Supporting Documents

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

To find out more information about the Knights of Columbus, which supports 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.