There has been a recent move back to health and fitness. While there are those who chase the big sport or big cardio, there are a variety of sports that one can find that fit them.
The Sport of Bocce is one that is easy to learn and easy to play.
Bocce is said to have been developed in the Roman Empire and first played in its present form in Italy. Bocce is the plural of the Italian word boccia which means bowl. It spread across Europe and in regions where Italians migrated. Wherever there are Italians they are playing Bocce. The first regulation form of Bocce was described in the book “Gioco delle bocchie” by Raffaele Bisteghi in 1753. In South America it is known as bochas, or bolas criollas (‘Criolloballs’) in Venezuela, and bocha in southern Brazil where there are large populations of Italians.
Developed into its present form in Italy, it is closely related to English bowls and French pétanque, with a common ancestry from ancient games played in the Roman Empire.
Bocce’s presence is worldwide. Bocce is played around Western, Southern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as in overseas areas with historical Italian immigrant population, including Australia, North and
It is a non contact sport but watch out for a highly competitive Italian. While popular Bocce has no presence in the Olympics, but there are Bocce Tournaments all across the world and especially here in Southern California. The Governing body of Bocce is the Fédération Internationale de Boules
The accessibility of bocce to people of all ages and abilities has seen it grow in popularity, and it is now the third most-played sport among Special Olympics athletes.
The equipment is quite simple Bocce (balls) and pallino (jack), a court and score card.
Rules… one throws the pallino then there are 4 red and 4 green balls on each side and the closet to the pallino wins the points. Our group plays to 12 points. First to 12 wins.
Tournament rules can be different highly competitive and some tournaments have prize monies.
I first played Bocce when I was only 4 years old with my Italian Grandfather and Uncle on the side of the Italian Volunteer Firehouse in Troy New York. I then played in Italy with a beautiful Italian woman who held my heart and her whole family played on their own court on their farm. Many years passed after that and I was strolling in Veterans Park in Fountain Valley, California near my residence and there was a group playing Bocce on an old dirt court. I was asked if I wanted to play and jumped right in.
One might ask where do I find a Bocce game?
Common locations include parks, backyards, beaches, and even parking lots. For dedicated courts, you can find them in parks, recreational areas, and even some private clubs.
There are 4 synthetic courts at Murdy Park where groups play regularly on Tuesday and Thursday.
There are private courts in Newport Beach at an upscale Irvine Company Apartment Complex. And hopefully if the City of Huntington Beach gains some wisdom there could be additional courts at Edison Park behind the firehouse.
On almost any given Saturday you can find a group that started many years ago, mostly Italians from the City of Fountain Valley Italian Club playing Bocce at Veterans Park. While competitive its mostly about friendship. Come by we make room for newbies.
