PART OF OUR CULTURE

Bocce has its roots in ancient Rome with the Romans being the first to play this game. Emperor Augustus was said to be a big fan of the game. It was then developed in its present form in Italy, France and many of the Mediterranean countries. Socially Bocce has been played on the streets and in parks for centuries, and there are two main forms of Bocce, Volo and Raffa.

Bocce was first introduced to Australia by Italian migrants in the early 1900’s and played in back yards, streets and inners suburb parks. This recreational sport matured to become a fully fledged competitive sport in the late 1960’s, later in 1970 the first national Bocce championship was held in Australia.

Bocce began at our club around this time (early 1970’s) being played on outside lanes (situated where the current children’s playground is today). Later in the early 1980’s indoor lanes were bult allowing players to enjoy the game all year round, with strong social competitions every weekend. Raffa is now the main Bocce discipline played at our club with the club having hosted the Inaugural Australian Raffa Championships in 1984. Teams of talented players from our club have gone on to represent our club at both State, National  and International level.

Frank Capriotti was one of the oldest surviving Bocce players of our club and the person that has for the past 25 years looked after the Bocce lanes and coordinated the many local, interstate and national competitions.  Frank was one of our club champions and in 2017 was inducted in the Australian Bocce Hall of Fame. Frank was recently recognised by the Board for his contribution to our club and indeed the sport of Bocce by having the Bocce lanes at our club named in his honour.

Grace Letizia another one of our  Club champions, represented Australia in the International Women’s Bocce Tournament in China in 2006 and still enjoys playing today.

Bocce can be enjoyed at our club and lanes are open on demand but generally on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm depending on number of players. All are welcome to come and try.

For any further information on the game of Bocce please contact iacsportssecretary@gmail.com