Bocce

Bocce is an Italian physical game that involves rolling large balls at a smaller target ball (the “pallino”). Each team or individual throws four balls from behind a foul line, attempting to land closest to the pallino. Teams receive a point for for each ball that is closer to the pallino than their opponents' balls, and a typical match is played to 13 points (informal matches may have different scoring rules agreed upon by the participants). Competitive bocce is typically played on a clay, sand, or grass court measuring 27.5m in length and 2.5-4m in width. Recreational bocce is typically played in an available outdoor space, such as a park, beach, or backyard.

Italian immigrants brought this game to Toronto after World War II.

Bocce usually occurs in the spring and summer months, at bocce clubs, public parks, beaches, and backyards.

Although introduced in Canada by first generation Italian immigrants, bocce is not limited to the Italian community and is played widely by residents of the GTA.