Inaugural Caribbean Special Olympics bocce event shines with portable courts

The first-ever Special Olympics Caribbean Regional Bocce Tournament took place on 23-25 May, with athletes from across the archipelago throwing and rolling for glory on six portable courts provided by Packaworld.

The ground-breaking tournament was held at the Lions Centre in George Town, Cayman Islands’ capital, and welcomed teams from 16  surrounding Caribbean nations plus a US bocce squad representing Special Olympics North Carolina.

Competition Manager and Head Coach for Special Olympics Cayman Islands Nicole Thompson said the highlight of the tournament was bringing together athletes from so many neighbouring countries, making it a truly Caribbean competition.

“The [Lions Centre] was transformed and the athletes were able to compete at a very high standard.”

Thompson said the regional competition was created to provide more opportunity for Caribbean Special Olympics bocce players to compete in high-level singles and doubles competition.

“Bocce has always been a very popular sport in the Caribbean and in Special Olympics internationally [but player quotas mean some] Caribbean countries were not able to send athletes to compete at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.”

Thompson said Packabocce courts were chosen for the Caribbean regional tournament after she saw them on display at the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 and was impressed. After getting the chance to play on the inflatable courts at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, she contacted Packaworld and “the rest is history”.

“The courts were so easy to put together and dismantle and the storage bags made it convenient to transport and re-use the courts as needed.

“Thanks again to Packaworld and to Peter Roberts for all the support provided and the willingness to work with us to achieve what we wanted for this tournament.

“Seeing all the athletes on the stage at the same time with their medals and awards reminded those of us in the Games Organising Committee exactly why we went through the meetings, the expenses and the ups and downs for many months to produce this high-quality event.”

Thompson said the portable Packabocce courts purchased for the Caribbean regional tournament would tour the Cayman Islands in the years ahead to help grow bocce participation, including among school students. She also said she hoped the success of the inaugural tournament had laid a foundation for more regional Caribbean events in future.

“We have received so many compliments on these games and everyone is asking ‘when next are you hosting?’”

“It is hoped that another Caribbean country may take up the mantle and host or who knows, it may come back to Cayman.”

Packaworld Chief Executive Peter Roberts said the tournament aligned perfectly with Packaworld’s mission of “breaking down barriers and unifying people through the joy of sport”.

"We are thrilled our courts will continue to serve the Cayman Islands' recreational bocce programmes and create lasting opportunities for play and competition.

"What better place for island-hopping portable courts than the Caribbean? The positive feedback from the athletes and organisers of this tournament reaffirms our commitment to creating portable, high-quality courts that can be easily transported and set up anywhere in the world.”

Video: Athletes on the podium at the Special Olympics Caribbean Regional Bocce Tournament

> Find out more about our portable bocce courts on our Packabocce product page.