A New Game in Town

A New Game in Town
To the editor:
It’s not really a new game in town, but a resurgence of an old game. It’s called, Bocce.
It is said to have been brought into our area by Italian immigrants who came here seeking a new life in search of work in the mines and a place to raise their families. They had played it in their home country on grassy fields or dirt roads. They shaped the balls from wood or rock, the rock weighing about 4 lbs. They were to be thrown at a smaller ball as a target called a Pollino that was thrown out first. The closest ball or balls were awarded points. This method of play has been transformed into being played on clay courts lined with stout timbers to help contain the heavier balls. Teams were formed for competition and standard rules were agreed to.
More and more people are enjoying this sport every year. It is especially so in the retirement communities. For them it has been a great way to enhance their lives socially and for good health. More facilities are being built every year in our country and in fact, has become a big industry.
It is a sport that anyone can play. I mean anyone. You don’t have to pass a ball, hit a ball, catch a ball, run with a ball, or kick a ball. All you must do is, “roll the ball down the court”. It is a game anybody can play at any age.
The Joe Polich Bocce League, on the Duke of Abruzzi grounds in Caspian, fields 8 teams throughout the summer. Last year a co-ed league was added and this year it has returned and expanded their league to 9 teams. The men’s league is also in their second year of children instruction and play.
The Joe Polich Bocce League and the Friends of The Duke of Abruzzi are again offering the use of their 4 courts and grounds in the city of Caspian, “the city that cares and shares”, for the play of Bocce to the public. We will leave balls on the courts, with a set of rules to play by and a schedule of league nights on which we require the courts for league play. All are welcome to come and enjoy. Please leave it as you found it.
The Joe Polich Bocce League and Friends of the Duke of Abruzzi proudly support this initiative for our community with the funds from the garage sale held all summer at their grounds at 405 McGills Ave. in Caspian every weekend. It is a part of their commitment to restore this historical building and ground to its former prominence. It is not only a means of paying back what has been given to us but also of paying it forward to those who are yet to come like our forefathers had the foresight to build it for us. Please, won’t you come and join us in this dream of giving it back to our community. The family that play together, stay together.
If there are any questions, please contact Bob Ketchum at 1-402-312-2257 or bobnbonniek@gmail.com.