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 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 associates founded Youth Bocce of Canada in 1994. With the help of many supporters Liberato took on the mission to organize and involve persons with disabilities to participate in this game.

As President and publisher of Youth Bocce Canada Magazine, and designer of the yearly Youth Bocce posters, 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 Championship tournaments for the athlete with a disability tournaments for now over 400 athletes with disabilities. Alongside preparing for these tournaments and hosting annual Youth Bocce Christmas Luncheons which host hundreds of athletes with a disability, Liberato has also found the time to plan four pilgrimages that have demonstrated his devotion for this group of mentally challenged athletes.

In addition to his myriad responsibilities, Liberato provides an annual Autumn/Winter Bocce program for 400+ athletes with disabilities and introduced the sport of Bocce to Special Olympics Ontario in 2005. Furthermore, Liberato was the first in Canada to organize ‘All Inclusion’ Bocce Tournaments, where athletes with disabilities play on the same team as all others. In this tournament, all are able, all are equal, and all are accepted.

From the inception of Youth Bocce Canada, I have had the opportunity to watch firsthand how this program has helped change the lives of our athletes, coaches, sponsors and volunteers across our communities. This journey has given me purpose and has taught me attributes that include courage, resilience, authenticity and most importantly inclusivity.

Anyone who has ever attended a Youth Bocce event can attest to the cacophony of excited laughter and screams from the participants. What a wonderful thing it is to introduce sport and participation into someone’s life. There is nothing like the feeling of being part of a team where everyone ends up the winner.

It is only now after many years of involvement that I can fully appreciate the blessing Youth Bocce Canada has been to my life. The participants, their parents and support teams continue to renew my faith in humanity every day. Their positivity and determination to grow and do better is commendable.

In closing, I would like to thank and acknowledge everyone involved in Youth Bocce to keep it going, especially all our advertising and event sponsors for their commitment, goodwill and joy. We could not reach or affect so many lives without these shining examples of community leadership. Of course, I would like to offer a special and most heartfelt thanks to my incredible father, Lee whose inspiration, enthusiasm and dedication to people in need started this whole incredible ball rolling 30+ years ago. My goal as Lee’s daughter and VP of Youth Bocce Canada is to ensure there is always some element of this program that continues to bring happiness to all our athletes. That we stay top of mind and that our community continues to grow.

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 poster. It is certainly commendable to share in the same vision and support for such a worthy cause.

There is the obvious tradition of Bocce, a sport that has roots in the ancient games of the Roman Empire. It is a game that, today, continues to entertain people around the world.

But, most importantly, in Youth Bocce Canada there is the tradition of giving. Since its founding in 1994, this organization has used the sport of Bocce as an instrument through which those who have more can help those who don’t have as much or who can’t help themselves.

My wife, Carla, and I have been associated with Youth Bocce Canada for several years and we have seen, first-hand, the good work done to provide assistance and opportunities to so many who are challenged in ways that we are not. But the work is never done and, while we express our appreciation to our partners, sponsors, and volunteers, we must strive to do more.

As Honourary President of Youth Bocce Canada, I encourage you to join us in carrying on the traditions of the organization. Together, we can bring happiness to so many.