Portable Packabocce courts star at Latin American Special Olympic Games

Dozens of Central and South American bocce players rolled for glory on portable Packabocce courts during the Special Olympics Latin America Games Asunción 2024.

The games, hosted in Paraguay from 4-12 October, brought together more than 1,000 athletes under the banner of inclusion to compete across more than 20 different sports.

The bocce competition was hosted at the velodrome at Olympic Park’s in Paraguay’s capital Asunción, with eight portable Packabocce courts from Packaworld delivering world-class playing conditions for the athletes taking part.

Paraguayan Olympic Committee Sports Equipment Coordinator Ramón Santacruz said setting up the courts was “user-friendly” for organisers and volunteers and the playing conditions had been “excellent” for athletes.

“Thanks to our collaboration with Packaworld, we have been able to offer an unforgettable experience to all athletes.”
Santacruz said a key factor in the decision to use the Packabocce courts was their portability and reputation for being easy to use.

The portable courts were a long-term investment that would leave a legacy by supporting the ongoing development of bocce in Paraguay, even after the games were complete, he said.

Sports centres, schools and colleges could all potentially use the courts to promote bocce, physical activity and inclusion now that the games were over. Special Olympics organisers may also be able to use the courts in public squares and parks, in centres for physical and mental rehabilitation, and to host local bocce tournaments and leagues, he said. 

Packaworld Chief Executive Peter Roberts said the feedback from the Paraguayan Olympic Committee about the courts was encouraging.

“It's fantastic to hear they've delivered a professional playing experience for all the amazing athletes playing bocce in Asunción.

"From schools to public parks to social leagues, our portable courts can bring the game to new audiences – we're excited to see how they'll grow the sport and promote inclusion long after the regional games have finished."

Packabocce courts have become the court of choice for many Special Olympics competitions worldwide.

They were used at the most recent Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in 2023 and have been used in recent years to host the bocce competitions at national Special Olympics Games across Europe and Asia-Pacific, as well as state games in the United States.

Video: Timothy Shriver at the opening of Special Olympics Latin America Games 2024

>> Learn more about our portable bocce courts on our Packabocce page.

NOTE: Photos in this article were provided courtesy of Special Olympics Paraguay.