The view from the level grassy area at Lion’s Park was spectacular, but all of the focus was on the next throw and just how close to the pallino the ball would come.
It was a meeting of the Special Olympics Bocce Club, and six of the young club members were there to learn the sport of bocce ball under the guidance of coach Hellaina Rothenburg and volunteer Candice Fairbrother.
Rothenburg, who has more than 20 years of coaching experience in a variety of sports, has been with Special Olympics for the past 10 years as central and northern Ontario district developer — offering programs that enrich the lives of Ontarians who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Bocce, she said, “is a very welcoming first sport. Bocce can be played anywhere there’s a flat area.”
And it is perfect for a mix of abilities and ages — a sport that is simple yet challenging, and fun, she said.
There was plenty of laughter as the young athletes attempted to perfect their throws, in both short and long games, to come as close as possible to the pallino, the smallest ball in bocce.
Bradford West Gwillimbury was chosen for the new program because of its rapid growth.
The community has offered Special Olympics programs in the past, but a lack of volunteers in recent years has meant that many programs have been moved to Newmarket — a trend Rothenburg is hoping to reverse.
“The biggest thing we’re looking for is volunteers,” she said.
The bocce club is only a seven-week program. For it to continue past June, volunteers in the community are needed.
“Then, come fall, we can investigate other sports,” such as swimming, five-pin bowling, and possibly even basketball, she said.
Special Olympics — founded in 1968 to use the transformational power of sports for people aged 13 and up with cognitive issues, intellectual and developmental difficulties — provides training and especially competitive opportunities in 18 sports.
“That’s one of the things this is all about,” noted Rothenburg.
In fact, the Bradford Special Olympics Bocce Club is hoping to invite their counterparts from Barrie and Midland to a tournament next week, and they may be invited to a return match in July.
But to keep the club going, “to establish it, we do need volunteers.”
“The biggest issue is volunteers,” agreed Fairbrother, noting the commitment can be as little as two hours every other week.
And the rewards were obvious, as the club members cheered and high-fived each other’s best throws.
The bocce club currently meets at Lion’s Park on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., but only until the end of June.
To volunteer for the bocce club and other Special Olympics programs, contact Hellaina Rothenburg at or call 1-888-333-5515, ext. 276.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics. Special Olympics is now in 170 countries, with almost 3.7 million athletes participating worldwide.
