Accessible Bocce for Special Olympics Isle of Man

Manx Lottery Trust awarded a grant of £20,714 to Special Olympics Isle of Man to support the purchase of new, fully accessible bocce equipment. The investment ensured more people are able to take part in the sport safely, comfortably and regularly, supporting both physical wellbeing and social inclusion. 

Funded through the Dormant Assets Fund, the project delivers long-term community benefit by improving access to inclusive sporting opportunities for people of all abilities. 

Background and Need 

Bocce has been a core part of Special Olympics Isle of Man’s activity programme for many years and is a popular and accessible sport. The charity currently supports around 40 active participants, with a further 100 individuals expressing an interest in getting involved. 

However, the existing bocce equipment was ageing, homemade and increasingly impractical to use. The kits had become heavy and difficult to assemble, placing limitations on how often sessions could be delivered and restricting participation for both athletes and volunteers. 

Without investment, there was a risk that this valued activity would become harder to sustain. 

The Intervention 

The funding has enabled Special Olympics Isle of Man to purchase modern, rollaway bocce equipment designed with accessibility, safety and ease of use in mind. The new equipment replaces outdated kits and allows sessions to be set up more quickly and efficiently. 

As a result, bocce sessions can now be delivered more frequently, supporting both recreational play and competitive opportunities, while ensuring sessions remain inclusive and welcoming to all participants. 

Outcomes and Impact 

  • The upgraded equipment: 
  • Increases participation by removing physical and practical barriers 
  • Enables more frequent sessions for existing and new athletes 
  • Supports volunteers and coaches by reducing manual handling challenges 
  • Ensures bocce remains a safe, inclusive and enjoyable activity 

Beryl Woodridge, spokesperson for Special Olympics Isle of Man, said: “Bocce has been a mainstay of our activity programme for many years. The new equipment makes a huge difference to our athletes, coaches, and volunteers by ensuring sessions can continue safely and inclusively.”