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Bocce League

The Sport of Bocce

Bocce is a "gentlemen's" game. Also known as Italian Bowling, bocce is played on a long, narrow, earthen court. Unlike hockey and basketball, bocce is quietly played and enjoyed for the skill involved.

Families Exploring Down Syndrome Bocce League

The FEDS Bocce League began in 2006 with 11 players, and has proven to be a very popular sport. The league now accommodates a maximum of 18 players. Young FEDS teens and adults with Down syndrome gather every other Tuesday evening from September through May to play Bocce on the three courts at Club Venetian in Madison Heights.

The FEDS League rules follow the Special Olympics guidelines. Bowlers are paired randomly with each other and play two games of doubles (two against two). Occasionally, bowlers play as singles (one against one) in preparation for the Special Olympic Local county games held in the spring of each year. Some athletes go on to the Special Olympics State Summer Games at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI, where they compete against other athletes from across Michigan. For more information about Bocce and Special Olympics go to the Special Olympics Bocce Coaching Guide.