VIC update: Setting a New Standard for Inclusive Sportsmanship and Community Engagement: The Knox Bocce Club
As the first club since the Bocce National Conference to introduce these initiatives, The Knox Bocce Club is setting a new standard for inclusive sportsmanship and community engagement.
The Bocce Australia Bocce Team Challenge, a remarkable platform for newbies to the sport of bocce to compete in team-based competitions. Developed by BA NDO John Inglese and trialled at the Veneto Club, Melbourne with the support of Sonya Velo was a great success. This exciting event allows athletes to showcase their skills, foster camaraderie, and embrace the spirit of healthy competition.
The Knox Bocce Club, under the exceptional leadership of Michael Migliaccio, has spearheaded the organisation and execution of the Bocce Team Challenge, emphasising their commitment to providing opportunities for inclusivity for all athletes.
Michael’s dedication and leadership in assembling a team to support the implementation of the BA Bocce Team Challenge are worthy of recognition. Managing such an initiative requires careful planning, coordination, and commitment, and Michael’s efforts in ensuring the successful execution of the event demonstrate his passion for promoting inclusive sports and providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and the inclusivity for all.
The inclusion of BA corporate fun games alongside the BA Bocce Team Challenge by The Knox Bocce Club is a wonderful way to engage the community and foster unity through sports. These games not only bring enjoyment to the participants but also raise awareness and support for the Special Olympics Bocce athletes and all individuals.
Overall, the work done by Michael and The Knox Bocce Club in implementing the BA Bocce Team Challenge for Special Olympics bocce athletes deserves praise. Their dedication to promoting inclusive sportsmanship and organising corporate fun games demonstrates a commitment to making a positive impact in the community. Well done Michael!
# Introduced Bocce Challenge at SO MER Bocce training at Knox Italian Club, taken the simpler concept to Burwood East and Monash Special Development Schools for a 4-week term, play for all programs. Video of Bocce challenge training mat: https://photos.app.goo.gl/nDdZNC4pEUa92QBw8
Special Olympics States Games
July 1 – 2, the opening was held at Casey Stadium, following the opening all bocce players from all over Victoria Clubs attended the two-day bocce tournament at Freccia Azzurra Club (photos attached)
Knox Cup
40 players attended the Knox Cup Tournament, most from Melbourne bocce clubs including Morwell and the Bocce Vic Juniors (photos attached)
Fundraiser – Glow in the Dark Bocce Fundraiser
The fundraising event on July 28, Glow in the Dark Bocce Fundraiser, all proceeds from the raffle will go to SO MER athletes selected to the 2024 Bocce National Games in Perth.
Written by Frank Funari.
VIC update: Victorian regional classic celebration
July brought Victoria the 21st Anniversary of the La Trobe Triples Classics at the Italian Australian Sporting Club in Morwell on July 1-2, 2023.
Commencing on Friday evening with a meeting of players and their families, in the member’s lounge it was like arriving at a family function. With many hugs and kisses upon arrival, everyone catching up and delighted to see one another for another La Trobe Classic, it’s an amazing feeling to see the friendships and relationships built through our sport.
The event was opened with words from Madam Mayor of La Trobe Valley, Cr Kellie O’Callaghan followed by a shout out to all the amazing sponsors who made the event possible as well as the sensational efforts of the Morwell Bocce Committee and Club staff.
The competition commenced on Saturday and Sunday with an array of teams and ages entering the competition. It was fabulous to see the teams who travelled far and wide to attend: Queensland, New South Wales, NEBA, Cooma and France. The juniors “NextGen” team participated the exhibit of their constantly improving skill and experience within the sport.
Saturday night brought a special Gala Dinner to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the competition, as well as fundraise for the Junior Australian Team. The evening brought much laughter, emotion and gratification for everyone involved in the sport for those from past, present and future.
We would also like to thank our Junior Bocce Ambassador Robert “Dipper” DiPierdomenico for a magnificent evening which supported the sport as well as a fundraising event for the juniors upcoming travels to Monaco. It was a joy to hear Dipper’s history with the sport as well as the Veneto Club and Casa D’Abruzzo Club. Dipper has provided the junior team with much support and encouragement and continues to volunteer his time with Bocce Australia to assist with growing the sport through various mediums.
I had the pleasure of sitting next to Dipper for the evening and whilst I was completely star-struck when I first met him, I was absolutely enthralled by his wit and manner and the relationship he has already built with the junior team. I was pleasantly surprised with his memories of playing bocce as a child and tweenie before he moved into VFL football. We also had a chat about his current and future involvement in the sport and with the juniors and his enthusiasm and elation was splendidly catchy.
“It never ceases to humble me to see the amazing bocce community we have. Not just a sport, not just a team, not just friends, it’s a family,” he said.
We would like to congratulate all the participants for their efforts and attendance, but also a special shout out to the winners:
- 1st place: Lazio Marche Club – S. Prostan, E. Porta, M. Cianci
- 2nd place: Veneto Club – S.Mezio, L. Favrin, M. Pozzer
- 3rd place: NEBA – 3rd Place – G. Greco, M. Greco and G. Russo
- 4th place: Casa D’Abruzzo – R. Marino, P. Marino and B. Alcorace
- And the Best and Fairest award being awarded to Aldo Mainali from Casa D’Abruzzo.
We would also like to thank Renna Danelutti for the fantastic photos and videos taken throughout the tournament and the gala evening.
Written by Laila Favrin, Vice-President, Bocce Federation Victoria