Whittier Special Olympics Athletes Receive New Portable Bocce Court

Whittier Special Olympics Athletes Receive New Portable Bocce Court

WHITTIER, CA — March 10, 2026 — The SOLA Lions Club will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil a new portable bocce ball court system supporting Special Olympics athletes in Whittier.

The court was purchased through a matching grant from the California Lions Foundation and will provide local athletes with access to a regulation-size playing surface for training and competition.

The portable system allows teams to assemble a full-size bocce court at Michigan Park and disassemble it for secure storage when not in use — creating a sustainable, long-term solution for athlete development in the community.

Two Whittier-based Special Olympics teams — The Backstreet Bocce Boys and The Bocce Bunch — will utilize the court as they begin spring practices. The teams include 10 local athletes preparing for competition.

Bocce ball is a precision sport that emphasizes focus, teamwork, and strategy. Its accessibility makes it especially impactful for athletes of varying abilities. During play, four athletes compete at a time, with an alternate rotating into the game.

The SOLA Lions Club’s investment reflects its continued commitment to supporting Special Olympics athletes and strengthening inclusive recreational opportunities in Whittier.