ABC’s Bocce Advocacy Initiative

We believe in the power of bocce. The easy entry to the game and the depth of nuance, strategy and experience that awaits beyond that entry point is a big part of what makes bocce special. That alchemy of upfront ease and lifetime of mastery has carried it across the globe.

And yet, bocce often can feel like a secret. American Bocce Co. has long set out to change that—to “Bring the game”—and we’re doubling down on that prerogative in 2020. We’re based here in Chicago and we’re going to make sure we take the time to introduce the game to people that would likely otherwise miss it.

While we absolutely adore playing bocce on pristine courts (shout out Highwood Bocce Club), bocce gets by just fine with 8 bocce balls and one pallino. And that pallino can be a golf ball (or the like) if necessary. Maybe some ribbons to mark out a court, though freeform is fun, too. What bocce really asks of you is to engage your mind before you toss your next ball.

There will be a number of elements to this effort, but front of mind right now is to address the lacking diversity in U.S. bocce. To see this sport flourish and to see it achieve a top-line goal of being a 2028 Olympic sport, we will put in the work to widen the game’s participation.

These are the steps we have identified as necessary to achieve this goal.

1. Identify lack of diversity in bocce ball throughout United States. Document current state and track progress.
2. Create accessible programs, guides, and kits for organizations to activate bocce ball in black / minority neighborhoods and black/minority-lead programs. Pilot program this Fall.
3. Lead and document these efforts, establishing proof-of-concept so that it can scale and effect change.
4. Urge clubs, organizations, and leaders of the sport to take action or follow suit in working against issues of exclusivity. Share the tools we develop widely and freely.
5. Double down on commitment to our goals of broadening our circle so that we can positively affect communities within that circle. “Others first + Big circle”