Portable courts support Special Olympics bocce ball growth in Perth

When Kendall King’s colleague first saw Packaworld's portable bocce courts at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, they immediately recognised their potential to transform how they could help grow participation of the sport back home in Western Australia.

King, the State Coordinator for Special Olympics Western Australia, now rolls out Packabocce courts in parks, schools and community venues across Perth to stage activations and ‘have a go’ events to introduce new players to bocce.

King said the courts were a vital part of the organisation’s campaign to provide opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and “spread the word” about inclusion.

“We chose Packaworld’s portable courts because they’re easy to set up, high quality, and perfect for ensuring a consistent playing experience. Plus, their portability gives us flexibility in where we can host events.

“The activations aren't so much about competition, they are just about getting people involved. If our people can just take a court around in one bag to those activations it just makes things easier.”

King said the bocce ball scene is growing steadily in Western Australia, with expansion coming mainly from its Special Olympics community programs, but also local schools.

“We're starting to see more interest in schools, with some introducing bocce as part of their inclusive sports offerings.”

Special Olympics Western Australia has also partnered with Perth's substantial Italian community to host bocce ball activations at events they’ve hosted. King said she is looking forward to a future activation at the Perth Italian Festival in Langley Park in April 2026, which will be staged with Packabocce courts.

She said it’s no surprise that bocce ball has become a cornerstone of Special Olympics Western Australia's program.

“Bocce is popular because it’s accessible, social, and adaptable for athletes of all abilities. It encourages teamwork and skill development in a fun, supportive environment.

“Bocce lends itself to unified sport. Having unified sport and getting people with and without intellectual disabilities on court together really starts to shift the perspective of society.”

Packaworld Chief Executive Peter Roberts said it was fantastic to see Special Olympics Western Australia using Packabocce courts to grow unified bocce programs in the state.

“What Special Olympics WA has achieved shows what's possible when you remove the barriers that prevent play – that’s what our portable courts do. Perth is a sprawling city and to grow bocce there you need equipment that is easy to transport.”

Building on the success of its bocce ball program, Special Olympics Western Australia intends to expand its campaign to include other unified sports as well as keeping its bocce ball program rolling, King said.

“We’re optimistic participation will continue to grow because of increased awareness, the sport’s accessibility, and ongoing efforts to promote it through schools and community programs.

“We want to keep building on the momentum and make bocce even more inclusive and widespread.”

With portable courts in their bags and a proven strategy for community engagement, Special Olympics Western Australia is well-positioned to continue expanding bocce ball's reach, activation by activation, playing its part in boosting the worldwide bocce ball buzz.