1. How and why did you start playing bocce?
My friend Frank asked me to join the Laguna Club in 1978, as he was already a member there. He thought I would enjoy bocce, as I am Venetian, and the members are all from the Trevisani region. I remember my father and grandfather playing bocce birilli when I was a child in Spinea, Venezia.
2. Which bocce event (singles/doubles/triples/throwing etc) is your favourite to play, and why?
My favourite bocce event is doubles because you are with a partner, and I enjoy the teamwork.
3. How many medals have you won at the Nationals?
At the National Championship, I have personally won two medals.
4. Which strengths do you believe you have that make you a champion bocce player?
Competitiveness, dedication to training, and love of the sport. I believe these qualities make you a champion bocce player.
5. Why are you so passionate about playing bocce?
I love bocce because I love the social aspect and the exercise. I enjoy meeting players from other states around Australia. I enjoy the competition, especially the travel to other states when participating in the National Championships.
6. What are your major highlights and achievements in bocce in the past?
Initially, becoming a bocce coach. Then coaching the juniors at the World Championships for bocce, in places like Morocco, Slovenia and Italy. From there, I was asked by the Australia Paralympic Committee (APC) to become the coach for the Australian bocce team, where I coached at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics.
I also coached the National Boccia team at many World Championships including Portugal, Kuala Lumpur, New Zealand and Hong Kong. I have also been a referee all over Australia for National Bocce Competitions.
7. What do you believe is the greatest challenge most bocce players are facing today?
People now want a quick and fast-paced game, with lots of action because we live in a fast-paced world. Bocce has lost some popularity because of that. We also struggle to get funding and sponsorships.
8. Is there a coach or bocce player that you looked up to when you first started playing as a role model, and why?
Ezio Spero was a fellow bocce player that I looked up to. He was an excellent player, and he was always fair.
9. How do you prepare to compete in the Nationals?
When preparing for Nationals, I would train for two hours a day.
10. What one word describes you?
Dynamic.