Inflatable Packaworld Bocce Courts to be Used at Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany

Packabocce Courts Are Designed by Wellington Based Packaworld

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Inflatable bocce courts developed in New Zealand will grace the stage of the world's largest inclusive sporting event this month when they are used at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany.

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The World Games will attract 7,000 athletes from around 170 countries - including 39 athletes from New Zealand - for nine days of competition starting on Saturday (17 June).

The 'Packabocce' courts designed by Wellington-based Packaworld will be used for the World Games' bocce competition, played at the Messe Berlin exhibition grounds. Bocce - a sport with similarities to bowls but played within a walled court - is enjoyed by more than 400,000 people in Special Olympics globally, making it the third most played sport, behind only football and golf.

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Packaworld Chief Executive Peter Roberts said he was delighted the courts were being used at the pinnacle of Special Olympics competition.

"When we developed the courts back in 2013, we had no idea of how popular they would become. It's fantastic to see them becoming the global standard for bocce competitions and helping to grow a sport that truly does cater for people of all abilities."

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The Packaworld courts are 18.3 meters long by 3.65 meters wide and include wheelchair accessible gates to allow access for any athletes with mobility issues. Unlike traditional bocce courts made of wood, the Packabocce courts are lightweight and can be inflated or deflated in minutes, making them easy to transport and setup, and simple to store.

The courts debuted at a local Special Olympics bocce competition in Wellington in 2013 and have since hit the big time, being used as the court of choice for many Special Olympics State Games in the USA, National Games across Europe and the Asia-Pacific, and Regional Games in Latin America.

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Today, hundreds of Packabocce courts are sold annually, including to Special Olympics event and program organizers, schools, clubs, social leagues, festival and event organizers, and even cruise ship companies.

"Seeing the difference the courts make is humbling. Business growth is fantastic, but seeing the way the courts are helping to bring bocce to people and communities that wouldn't otherwise get the chance to play is what really drives us. Sport is a big part of growing up in New Zealand and it's fantastic to be able to play a small part in sharing that sporting lifestyle with the world."

Roberts will be at the Special Olympics World Games as part of its Honored Guest Program to observe the event and cheer on the athletes from all nations.

The Special Olympics World Summer Games are held every four years. This year's event will feature 26 sports and will be supported by a cohort of more than 20,000 volunteers.

Resources That Provide Relevant Related Information

• Packabocce Portable Inflatable Bocce Courts for Special Olympics Florida - Inflatable Packabocce courts feature a lightweight but highly durable design that makes them far more portable than traditional bocce courts made out of wood or stone.
• Portable Bocce Courts Could Expand Bocce Playing in Hong Kong - Inflatable bocce court introduced to Special Olympics athletes and coaches from Hong Kong is making the sport more accessible around the world.

Attribution/Source(s):

This quality-reviewed event article relating to our Special Olympics section was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its likely interest to our disability community readers. Though the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article "Inflatable Packaworld Bocce Courts to be Used at Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany" was originally written by James Heffield, Packaworld Communications, and published by Disabled-World.com on 2023-06-13 (Updated: 2023-06-27). Should you require further information or clarification, James Heffield, Packaworld Communications can be contacted at packaworld.com. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

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