Portable bocce court rolls out exciting opportunities for athletes in Ireland

Navan Arch Club’s new Packaworld portable bocce court has proven to be an invaluable asset, providing adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland the opportunity to train in a high-quality playing environment that matches the conditions of Special Olympics competitions.

Navan Arch Club has more than 100 members who participate in various sports, including basketball, floorball, table tennis, bowling, and of course, their beloved bocce.

Currently, around 30 athletes at Navan Arch Club play bocce, with sessions broken down into smaller groups to maximise playing time. The arrival of the new court has sparked even greater interest, with more athletes eager to try the sport.

Club Secretary Mary Davitt said the Competition Packabocce court was a tremendous asset.

“In the past, we have just used a carpeted area in a local school, which is only half the size of a full bocce court,” Davitt said.

“The surprise on the faces of our athletes when they saw our new court was priceless. They were so amazed at the size of it.”

With the new fully portable court, Navan Arch Club can provide a more consistent, structured, and effective training programme, giving athletes a fairer chance in upcoming competitions and progressing to the next Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games.

The court opens up a range of new venue options and the club has now struck up an agreement with a local sports club that has a venue with training matting for the courts to be placed on. They also plan to use the court in their regular sports hall once they obtain their own matting or artificial turf.

Packaworld’s Packabocce courts are unique in their ability to bring bocce to new locations. Unlike traditional courts, which require permanent foundations, these portable courts are inflatable and can be set up and packed down quickly and easily. This flexibility and accessibility, along with their sturdiness when inflated, has made them the go-to choice for many Special Olympics competitions worldwide.

Peter Roberts, Chief Executive of Packaworld, emphasised the importance of accessibility in sports.

“At Packaworld, we believe sport should be available to everyone, everywhere,” he said.

“Navan Arch Club’s use of our Packabocce court is a perfect example of how portable sports equipment can create new opportunities. Seeing these athletes train, compete and enjoy the game with high-quality equipment is exactly why we do what we do.”

Fifteen athletes did Navan Arch Club proud in the recent two-day Special Olympics Leinster Regional Bocce Competition in St Mary’s, Terenure.

“Our spirits never waned, even with the early start and long days of competition,” Navan Arch Club posted on social media. “Well done everyone, and a huge thank you to all in Special Olympics and the wonderful volunteers who made it happen.”

Each athlete brings so much joy to the club, with their smiles, love, and encouragement for each other.

“We are delighted with our new court and so pleased to be able to offer our athletes, both young and old and of all abilities, the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful sport,” Davitt said.

“It’s great to see so many smiling faces at our training sessions on Thursday evenings.”

With a Special Olympics grade Packabocce court now at their disposal, Navan Arch Club athletes are better prepared than ever for the challenges and excitement of competition.

“As bocce continues to grow significantly around the world, Navan Arch Club’s story stands as a testament to the power of inclusive communities, innovation, and the enduring spirit of sport,” Roberts said.

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