Bocce

Bocce, sometimes referred to as “bocce ball,” originated as an Italian lawn game for all ages. The accessibility and general popularity of the game led to its inclusion as a Special Olympics sport, making its debut at the 1991 World Games right here in Minnesota! Now, it is one of the most participated sports in Special Olympics worldwide, with more than 107,000 athletes and Unified partners competing annually in the United States. We are excited to once again host bocce in Minnesota at the 2026 USA Games, where athletes will compete in singles, doubles (traditional and Unified), and teams (traditional and Unified).

How It’s Played:
Played in singles, doubles, or teams of four athletes, the game of bocce revolves around rolling bocce balls as close as possible to a smaller target ball called the pallino, also referred to as the “cue ball” or the “jack.” The game begins with one team throwing the pallino onto the court. Players then take turns rolling their bocce balls, aiming to land closer to the pallino than their opponents or knock opponents’ balls away. Points are scored based on how many balls are closer to the pallino than the closest opposing ball. Bocce requires precision, strategy, and adaptability, making it a thrilling and inclusive sport that rewards focus and finesse.