Bocce Ball

Bocce ball is poised to become the next big sports craze that sweeps across America. Today over 25 million Americans play bocce ball - also known simply as bocce -- and more are discovering it every week. Like with the newfound popularity of no-limit poker, people are drawn to bocce ball by the fun and excitement, the variety of rules and game play, and the fact that anyone, no matter how inexperienced, has a chance to win. Celebrity Sightings One way to judge the popularity of a sport in America is whether celebrities are playing it. And with bocce ball, they certainly are. NFL coach Steve Mariucci hosts probably the best-known celebrity bocce ball tournament, and has since 1997, when he was first hired by the San Francisco 49ers. Now with the Detroit Lions, Mariucci has been an avid bocce ball player for years, and has raised thousands of dollars for charity through his annual tournament.

Celebrities spotted at Mariucci's bocce ball tournaments over the years include NFL announcer John Madden, baseball legend Willie Mays, actor Danny Glover, NBA coach Larry Brown, and Olympic figure skating gold medallist Peggy Fleming.

Paralympics
Another side of bocce ball is boccia, a style of bocce ball designed specifically for players with disabilities. This style of bocce ball is an official Paralympic sport and is played in over 40 different countries. The bocce balls used in boccia are made of leather, and players affected by such conditions as cerebral palsy can use their hands, feet, or an assistive device to move their bocce ball. Boccia is just one example of how bocce ball can be altered to meet the needs of its players.

A Game For Everyone
Bocce ball can only grow in popularity as more people discover its flexible bocce rules and fun game play. So keep your eyes open: there's bound to be a bocce ball game being played in your neighborhood right now.