Ghent, Minnesota is a small town with a big tradition of playing rolle bolle, a sport brought to the area by Belgian immigrants. In rolle bolle, players roll hard rubber bolles toward a stake to score points, similar to curling or lawn bowling. The town of Ghent has embraced this unique sport, with regular league nights that bring friends and neighbors together.
Marcella and Joe Matthys, a couple who have been playing rolle bolle for decades, have even won world tournaments for their skills in the sport. This traditional game has been passed down through generations, with some players using wooden bolles that are over a century old.
Despite the competitive nature of rolle bolle, league nights in Ghent are more about fun and camaraderie. The sport has even led to friendships, relationships, and a sense of community within the town. Ghent, with a population of about 375 people, has become known for its love of rolle bolle.
Residents of Ghent have even built rolle bolle alleys in their basements to play throughout the winter. The town hosts the international rolle bolle championships every August, bringing players from around the world to compete in this unique and beloved sport. In Ghent, rolle bolle is more than just a game – it’s a way of life that brings people together and preserves a piece of their Belgian heritage.
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