The bocce world questions itself on the day of the 2023 medal ceremony. "We are going to the Paralympics," explained Italian Bocce Federation President Giunio De Sanctis, "we are among the oldest sports with a great diffusion even among women but in the official program of the Olympics we are not there. We will continue to work at the international level to make this happen."

The 'made in Italy' world of bowls has big numbers: 80,000 card-carrying members of which 6,000 are women, 40,000 competitive and 2,020 Paralympic for a total of more than 12,000 competitions in 2023. Impossible to count the amateurs who, even in summer, with beach bocce, often flock to the sandy shores from the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian. This year, around the world, 11 gold, 5 silver and 12 bronze medals came in.

"I hope," explained Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, "that the fact that bocce is within the Paralympic program will be a stimulus for 'able-bodied' athletes to reach the five-ring dream as well. I am sure that Italy will be made to be heard in the most appropriate venues."