A tradition of inclusion.
For nearly 40 years the Port Colborne Bocce Club has actively created a truly inclusive community through the sport of bocce ball. Welcoming people with intellectual disabilities into their organization decades before the term ‘inclusion’ was in vogue, the Bocce Club has impacted hundreds of lives by confronting social barriers to universal acceptance.
As the story goes, individuals supported by Community Living Port Colborne Wainfleet enjoyed watching Bocce Club players compete each week. Intrigued by the enthusiasm of the players as much as the game itself, the support team asked if their group could play as well. That simple inquiry, and welcoming response, was the start of what has become known as the Tuesday Night Inclusive League.
Bocce Club members embraced and supported the league as volunteer coaches and league administrators. Participants of the Tuesday evening league we welcomed into the club not only as players but as valued community members. Approximately 30 years ago Port Colborne Special Olympics proudly adopted the management duties of the group as Bocce Club members continued their support as volunteer coaches allowing the league to thrive.
Representing the City of Port Colborne, the province of Ontario, and the nation of Canada, Special Olympics athletes have displayed their expert bocce skill in all levels of Special Olympic competition. To this point, no fewer than THREE Port Colborne Special Olympics athletes have been inducted onto the Port Colborne Sports Wall of Fame each in part to their success on the bocce ball court. With a rich history of inclusion and competitive achievement the Tuesday night league continues to grow in weekly attendance and annual tournament offerings. To meet the ever-increasing demand and dynamic needs of league members, Community Connect has joined the management team.
Founded in 2024, Community Connect provides people with intellectual disabilities and other marginalized groups barrier-free access to opportunities in athletics, the arts, STEM, competition, and leadership. Committed to uniting community members from all backgrounds through their shared interests, Community Connect is proud to further this extraordinary tradition of inclusion.