ACT/Cooma update
It’s been a constant six months with bocce functions so far this year. The Cooma bocce club started the year with our AGM in February and our committee is:
- President – David Pevere
- Vice President – John Solari
- Secretary – Eileen Pevere
- Treasurer – Mathew Kennedy
- Games Organiser – Daniel Pevere
- Social Secretary – John Solari
- Publicity – Samuel Pevere
We had French visitors from Federation International Bocce (FIB) who held several workshops and competitions throughout the eastern coast of Australia. Cooma attended the workshop in Sydney in February where David got tips on coaching and Michael got tips on his technique and with this, they have put this knowledge into practice throughout the competitions held since.
The first competition was a singles competition in April with the winner John Solari.
Michael Pevere attended the Junior Nationals in Melbourne from April 27-28 and came home with three gold and one silver. This gives Michael a chance, from the upcoming training camps, to be picked for the Australian team to attend the International Bocce Championships held in Puerto Rico in December.
A Briscola competition was held in May with patrons and visitors joining together with six teams enjoying a fun filled day of cards, continued with a filling lunch cooked up by our generous John Solari who never ceases to please. Briscola is a traditional card game and has been part of our culture for many years, leading to a heavy competition. The competition was close and by lunch several teams were equal on wins and losses. The day and cards favoured the beginners, which saw fill-in newcomer Maximo partnered with a veteran. Loris came runner up to first-time partners and brothers Michael and Samuel Pevere who won this year’s competition by only by only three points – for and against. The club wishes to thank all players that attended, especially those from Canberra, John Solari for a wonderful lunch, and the committee for putting on a great day.
Michael and Daniel Pevere attended the National Championships in Perth in June and Michael came home with two gold medals. ACT/Cooma went as far as semi-finals for the doubles competition which was a nail-biting game right to the end with Victoria/Gippsland team achieving a 9-7 win. It was a great achievement for our team who played well together and mixed it up when the rolling and shotting was not working for them and ended with a two-point difference which was not an easy feat, and a final score of 9-7.
The singles competition for Michael, who reached the semi-finals, and was equally a nail-biting game against Victoria with a 6-9 loss with two bad ends. It did cost Michael the game, but Rocco from Victoria gave great feedback and said with a couple more years of experience he felt Michael would be a tough opposition and possibly be on top of his game, which is great at the age of 17.
Daniel reached Round 3 for Bowl Throw, just missing out with a score of 20-21. Michael reached the quarter finals for Bowl Throw by just missing out with a score of 23-22.
We cannot wait to see what the next six months brings ACT/Cooma especially with the Annual Cooma Cup coming up on November 9 – 10. Let’s go bocce!
Written by Eileen and Samuel Pevere.
Victoria update
Victoria shines: Triumphs, talent, and teamwork
Congratulations to the Victorian bocce team for their remarkable achievements and efforts at the recent Australian National Championship in Perth! It was fantastic to see Victoria represented in such strength, with three distinct teams: Victoria Metro, Victoria Gippsland, and Victoria NEBA, making up a total of 17 athletes. Each player demonstrated outstanding skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, making Victoria proud on the national stage.
A special shoutout to Tony Borelli, who showcased exceptional talent by taking first place in both the Bowl/Throw and Men’s Singles events. Tony’s precision and determination were truly inspiring and set a high standard for competitors across the nation.
Additionally, a heartfelt congratulations to Frank Fava and Tommy Fava Campbell for their thrilling victory in the Men’s Doubles. Watching a grandfather and grandson duo triumph in such a gripping grand final was a highlight of the championship. Their unique bond and shared passion for the sport culminated in a spectacular win that will be remembered for years to come.
Kudos also to Casa D’Abruzzo for their commendable participation in the Club Fours. Representing a Victorian club with such enthusiasm and competitive spirit, their efforts throughout the Club Championship Competition were fabulous. Their dedication and hard work were evident, and they have certainly set a benchmark for club-level competitions.
A huge congratulations to Vanessa Allegretto (shared with Melissa Danelutti) and Don DiFederico for being honoured with the Best and Fairest awards. Their consistent performance and exemplary sportsmanship have rightfully earned them this prestigious recognition.
We also extend our admiration to the Special Olympics participants for their fantastic efforts and enthusiastic participation. Their presence and competitive spirit added a wonderful dimension to the championship, embodying the true essence of sportsmanship and inclusivity.
As the sun sets on yet another successful Australian Nationals, we take a moment to celebrate these achievements before returning to training and preparation for next year’s championship. Melbourne, Victoria, will proudly host the next Australian Nationals, and we are eager to continue our tradition of excellence.
Rest up, Victorian bocce team, for the journey continues with renewed vigour and ambition. See you all next year in Melbourne!
Written by Laila Favrin.
South Australia update
National Bocce Championships 2024
The National Bocce Championships 2024 were held in Perth from June 6-10. Representing Bocce SA were Lidia and Angelo Addabbo, Anna and Achille Piccirillo, Tilde Martella and Antonia Zotti.
Despite not winning any medals, it was great catching up with bocce friends, and making new friends. Competition on the courts was fierce with all competitors trying to strictly follow the rules, and of course striving to win. Congratulations to all the winners!
Off the courts, the atmosphere was very friendly and jovial. Overall, it was a wonderful experience.
Thank you to Bocce Australia for running the competition. Thank you to the Tuscany Association WA, Laguna Veneto Social and Bocce Club and the Azzurri Bocce Club for their hospitality. Thank you to all the volunteers who gave their time to ensure that the championships ran smoothly. A big thank you to all the sponsors.
Written by Antonia Zotti.
New South Wales update
What a couple of fantastic months at Liverpool Catholic Club bocce courts.
We continue our amazing program of supporting game sessions and days for all players and support nursing home residents from Scalabrini village Chipping Norton and Austral. The Special O’s also use our facilities and have been training for the nationals at WA.
The juniors from our club did us very proud representing NSW at the junior championship in Casa da’ Abruzzo club in Epping, Melbourne. Nina Chiandotto won U15 singles, bowl throw and precision; second in u15 rapid; U18 double rapid winner and runner up in mixed bowl throw. She also was awarded best and fairest for U15. Lara O’Callaghan U18 second double rapid. Melissa Danelutti U18 second in singles, precision and double rapid. Aaron O’Callaghan U23 winner singles, progressive and bowl throw. Second in precision and double rapid. Outstanding effort from our Juniors and U23 athletes.
We completed our NSW State Federation championships in April at club Marconi with one women’s team and two men’s teams participating. Our junior players Lara O’Callaghan and Melissa Danelutti won the women’s double and qualified to represent NSW at the nationals in WA. Stefano Chiandotto won the bowl throw and qualified to represent NSW at the nationals in WA.
We are extremely proud to say we have National Doubles women’s champions: Lara and Melissa. Stefano also had good results with second place in men’s bowl throw and precision. Melissa won the women’s precision and the mixed double rapid and best and fairest. Lara and Stefano came second in the mixed double rapid. It was a great weekend from our players at LCC bocce.
A few weeks ago, we had the doubles championship which was well attended. Congratulations to winners Tony Traini and John Olic, and second place Laurie Vittori and Sam Catanzaro.
We are extremely proud of all our achievements and looking forward to seeing more from all our players!
Written by Linda Chiandotto.
Special Olympics update
SOA Melbourne Eastern Ranges held the fun-filled event fundraiser ‘Glow in the Dark Bocce’. Close to 60 attended the night at KICC bocce drome. Parents, carers, friends and all our athletes had a great time.
All raffle prizes were donated and we raised close to $600. During the two months athletes also collected bottles and cans for recycling and raised close to $500. The total will be shared by the five athletes that attended the Bocce A-SO Perth National Games.
A big thanks to our sponsors: My Plan Manager, Jaz Inclusive Productions, Australian Butchers, Ferntree Gully Tennis and MER.
Bocce A-SO National Games Perth – Melbourne Eastern Ranges Team.
Victoria only club representing Victoria with five happy athletes, showing their skills and camaraderie during the games.
Winners:
Division 3 Male Singles Gold, Division 2 Male Bronze, Division 2 and 3 Female Bronze
Division 1 Doubles Bronze, Division 3, Gold, Division 4, Silver
Division 2 Teams Gold
Team Coach Michael Migliaccio
Written by Michael Migliaccio.