In a monumental achievement for the sport of bocce, Bocce Victoria has been awarded a $630,000 grant through the Play Our Way initiative to empower women and girls in bocce. This marks the largest sum ever granted to bocce in Australian history, signalling a new era of growth and inclusivity for the sport.
At the helm of this success is Bocce Victoria’s President, Laila Favrin, whose passion and tireless dedication were instrumental in securing this transformative grant. Laila’s hard work in submitting the grant application has enabled the rollout of the UCAN2 – Empowering Women and Girls in Bocce program. This initiative will provide significant opportunities for women and girls to engage in a sport that values participation, skill-building, and community connection. Bocce’s low-impact, inclusive nature makes it an ideal platform for women and girls of all ages and abilities to thrive, both on and off the courts.
This new grant builds on Laila’s earlier success with the UCAN2 – Uniting Communities and Networks Together program, which received a grant earlier this year and is set to launch in February 2025. The program aims to bridge the gap between mainstream sports and the Special Olympics, focusing on uniting participants with diverse social, mental, and learning difficulties. By creating an inclusive space, this initiative will allow participants to engage in the sport of bocce while building connections and fostering a sense of belonging.
Both programs are set to build skills and increase participation in the sport for past, current, and future players, ensuring bocce continues to thrive and develop across all generations. With this historic grant, Bocce Victoria is leading the way in promoting diversity and empowerment within the sport, creating a lasting legacy for the future of bocce in Australia.