Photo Provided Preparing for the Sons of Italy Special Olympics Bocce tournament are, back row from left: Sons of Italy President Mike Dossie, Sons of Italy Past President Doug Hartlieb, member and event coordinator Judge Frank Fregiato, Sons of Italy Secretary and member Cindy Hartlieb, and Belmont County Clerk of Courts and Sons of Italy member Cynthia Fregiato. Front row from left: Special Olympics athletes Ann Swisk, Heather Thomas, Stevie Rowlins, Chris Ramsey, Alicia Estadt and Bocce coach Doty Toohey.

BELLAIRE — On Saturday, the Bellaire Sons of Italy will host a Bocce tournament for the Special Olympics of Belmont County.

Several years ago, the Special Olympics of Belmont County added Bocce to the list of it offers to individuals in the county with intellectual disabilities. Over the last few years, the sport has gained more and more interest from the athletes who participate in Special Olympics.

The tournament at the Sons of Italy on Belmont Street in Bellaire will include several teams from Belmont, Carroll, Jefferson and Tuscarawas counties. Teams will be divided into divisions they used to qualify at the Area 9 State Qualifying event in Steubenville on May 4. In traditional Bocce, teams play to a winning score. Special Olympics teams play on a time limit, and the team with the most points at the end of the specified time wins.

The mission of the Belmont County Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and competition to residents in the county with intellectual disabilities. Participation in sports training programs helps teach the athletes teamwork, patience, respect and discipline. These attributes also help the individuals at work, at home and in their everyday life.

The Bellaire Sons of Italy is proud to sponsor the event at its lodge. A special T-shirt for the Belmont County athletes is being jointly created by the Sons of Italy and the Special Olympics of Belmont County.