Photo by Randy Wilcox Carol Wenson of West Bloomfield participates in the state bocce ball tournament July 25 in Sylvan Lake.

By Sue Teggart
C & G Sports Writer

Bocce ball is a unique sport.

Most have played it at a family picnic at one time or another, and anyone who can roll a ball a few yards can play.   

Competitive bocce ball, however, is another story.

The skill and precision of top-notch competitors is extraordinary.

Some of the best in the game gathered for the state tournament July 26 at Sylvan Lake’s new community center. More than 50 players comprising 16 teams faced off in the 10th annual event.

“I started the state tournament just because I thought that it would be nice to get everybody in the state involved,” said Michael Grasser, the event coordinator and a Sylvan Lake resident.

Teams from Kalamazoo, Iron Mountain, Rochester, Lake Orion, Sterling Heights, West Bloomfield and Sylvan Lake were all represented at the tournament.

The champion team represented Palazzo di Bocce, which is a playing facility in Lake Orion. The three players on the winning team were Jorge Moreno, a world champion bocce player from Uruguay; Jose Botto, a world champion from Argentina; and Jason Wisniewski.

Grasser said the Palazzo di Bocce team was enjoyable to watch because of its precision and ease in positioning the bocce close to the pallina.

“(They) play at a high level and grew up playing bocce,” Grasser said. “It was just phenomenal to watch them.”

A family affair
For Gino Santia of Sylvan Lake, 2008 marked his 10th year participating in the state tournament. It was also a real family affair, as he competed with his three sons, Gino, 35, Rocco, 34, and Marco, 29.

“I look forward to (the state tournament) because my sons played also — that, in itself, is touching,” Santia said. “Playing bocce is something we all like to do. Unfortunately, we didn’t do as well as we could have. But when the day was over, I just looked at my sons and thought, ‘what a great day.’”

Like many bocce players, Santia grew up playing the game and has plenty of fond memories of playing with his family.

“As a kid growing up, I remember playing with my (whole family),” Santia said.

"There wasn’t anybody who couldn’t pick up the bocce ball and throw it toward the pallina. And, of course, you have the arguments of who’s closer. My grandfather would use his belt for his measurement or a shoelace. It’s a great family game.”

For those interested in taking up the game, there are courts available at Palazzo di Bocce, located at 4291 Lapeer Road in Lake Orion; The Mall at Partridge Creek, located at 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township; and at the Sylvan Lake Community Center, located at 2456 Pontiac Drive in Sylvan Lake.

For more information on bocce ball, visit www.davinci bocce.com or www.palazzodi bocce.com.