Lee Prioriello
President

" Our communities need more people like Liberato Prioriello whose vision leads them to leadership roles in removing barriers so that people with disabilities have the opportunity to participate and compete in a sport structure on the same basis as other sports."

The game of "bocce" is a sport that Liberato has always held near to his heart. Starting as a young man Liberato played this sport in the open fields for pleasure and later began to play this sport competitively across Canada where he became a Canadian champion. With his passion for bocce and the recognition that it was a sport that all could enjoy Liberato and a few of his business accociates founded Youth Bocce ofCanada in 1994. With the help of many supporters Liberato took on the mission to organize and involve developmentally challenged individuals to participate in this game.

As President and publisher of Youth Bocce CanadaMagazine which is published every year, Liberato’s job is never done. But that doesn’t stop him. Liberato organized the largest tournament of its kind in 1999 and since has created the annual Youth Bocce Canadian Championships for the Disabled tournaments for now over 350 developmentally challenged participants. Along side preparing for these tournaments and hosting annual Youth Bocce Christmas Luncheons which host hundreds of participants with special needs, Liberato has also found the time to plan two pilgrimages that have demonstrated his devotion for this group of mentally challenged athletes.

Jim V. DeGasperis
Honourary President

The Youth Bocce organization's mission and vision to promote and expand the development of this sport to all high schools in Southern Ontario is an admirable one and very attainable. The participation of various school boards, such as York Catholic District School Board is an indication of commitment to serve and provide equality to all students.

I would like to sincerely thank all sponsors and advertisers who have participated in yet another year's edition of the Youth Bocce magazine. It is certainly commendable to share in the same vision and support for such a worthy cause.