​Special Olympians persevere through the rain at Robert McCourt Memorial Bocce Tournament

It was a soggy day for a Bocce tournament, but the Special Olympics athletes persevered as they competed in the Robert McCourt Memorial Provincial Qualifier, Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Sports Complex soccer fields in Tiverton.

McCourt was head coach of Special Olympics Bocce and bowling in Saugeen Shores for four years and head coach of Bocce in Kincardine for five years, hosting numerous tournaments. He passed away in April, 2024.

Special Olympics Kincardine hosted the tournament, welcoming clubs from Owen Sound, Saugeen Shores, and South Saugeen (Hanover and Walkerton), with a total of 40 athletes.

The Tiverton Lions, aided by the Kincardine Lions, provided volunteers for referees and scorekeepers, as well as a barbecue lunch. Sobeys Kincardine and Tim Hortons sponsored the food and beverages for the day.

Despite the rainy weather all day, the athletes powered through and performed well and in good spirits.

Winners from this tournament have the potential to travel on to the Special Olympics Provincial Games next summer in Brantford.