New bocce court in Brockville, Ont. welcomes players
Residents in Brockville now have a new sport to play, thanks to a local non-profit organization and generous donors.
A two-lane bocce ball court has officially opened in downtown Hardy Park, on the west side where the old shuffleboard courts once sat.
The Brockville and Area Special Olympics had been working since 2017 towards this project.
"The bocce courts here in Brockville came about when the bowling alley closed and displaced 60 athletes," said Lori Murphy, Brockville and Area Special Olympics Bocce Team Head Coach.
"One of those athletes being my daughter, and we needed something to bring these athletes back together," she said. "We started with indoor bocce at Wall Street United Church and had a very successful season but we wanted to carry it to the outdoors."
More than $16,000 was donated towards the project, including $10,700
From 100 Women Who Care Thousand Islands, as well as a $6,000 donation from the Brockville and Area Community Foundation.
The local Special Olympics board contributed the rest, making it a zero-cost project for the city of Brockville.
"Right now we have about 30 athletes that are involved in the Special Olympics bocce program," Murphy added. "One of our athletes, Bree Christie, has recently qualified to hopefully become part of a women’s bocce team for the worlds in 2023."
The courts officially opened on Aug. 9 with a dedication celebration, and more than 100 people attending.
"We're hoping it inspires people to come out, young to our seniors, and enjoy an afternoon of a game that can be for anybody," Murphy added. "It's not geared just for persons with a special need; it's geared for all people because everyone is special."
Bocce balls are available to be signed out through the Brockville Public Library, and Murphy noted team registration is hoping to start in mid-September.
"Even when the athletes come here to practice and play, we've had people come along, have a seat and ask questions," Murphy added. "I'm more than willing to show people what the game is, how it's played, what it's about and who can use it. This is for everybody."
"My best advice is try it, you'll like it," she said. "It's a pretty easy game. You'll enjoy it, you'll have fun and you never know, you just might make a new friend."
Residents looking to play can contact the Brockville Public Library at (613) 342-3936, or reach out to the Brockville and Area Special Olympics through their website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.