SA Bocce Federation Inc.Celebrating 40 Years 1976–2016

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Index

Preface 4

Message from The President 5

BFA President’s Message 6

Message from The Premier 7

Message from The Leader Of The Opposition 8

Message from ORS Minister Leon Bignall 9

Message from Hon. Grace Portolesi 10

List Of Presidents 11

Current Executive Committee 12

Achievements 13

Over The Years – Photographs from 1976–2016 14

Success Stories 20

Making Headlines 24

SA Bocce Stairway Of Champions 27

Our Members 28

Lest We Forget – Remembering Our Members 29

Brief History of Bocce 30

4

The South Australian Bocce Federation was incorporated in the year 1976. But it all began long before then, when a group of young men from the Fogolar Furlan Club got together and decided that they needed some recreational activity after a long hard working week.

It needed to become recreational and a social activity as it was for their fathers and grandfathers back in their own country of origin, (Italy for most of them).

Since its incorporation in 1976 the Federation has come a long way, its objectives then to expand, grow, promote and develop the Sport of Bocce are still the main aims and objectives of the federation and main purpose for its existence, to maintain the culture and their own traditions alive throughout the ages.

The Clubs that first took part of the Federation were Fogolar, Veneto, Molinara joined by the Alabarda Club in 1978. In 1980 by the Campania Club, Sicilia Club got in the act in 1990. In 1995 they were joined by the Istrian, Croatian & Slovenia Clubs and soon after by the McLaren Vale Bocce Club. In the early 2000 Mt Gambier got into the act.

Since our 25th Anniversary the SABF has continued to promote develop and assist Schools Corporate groups and demonstration at Government House for a fundraising event. Councils, especially at Carnevale in Adelaide Showground since 2008 where 250.000 people come through the gates. The Federation run sponsored and social competitions. Bocce is a growing sport in every aspect, even though commitment to structured competitions unfortunately has diminished.

Reluctantly Alabarda, Istria, Croatia & Molinara Clubs have left the Federation some due to closure of Clubs others due to Members getting older.

On the National and International scene Australian Bocce Volo is doing very well especially in the last 3 years. Raffa Championships have now joined in and. Raffa is popular in some states more than others especially in SA Mt Gambier, NSW & Victoria.

Bocce is celebrating 40 years with a little help from everyone it will continue for another 40 years.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Bocce Players!

Preface

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A Message from The PresidentMirella Mancini OAM

On behalf of the South Australian Bocce Federation I want to Congratulate all who in the early seventies had a vision and in 1976 formed the first committee, drew up the first constitution, and made bocce in South Australia reach this wonderful milestone, without them we would not be here today celebrating this event.

I am very proud to have been the very first Woman President in South Australia and in all of Australia for that matter. Another proud moment for SA was in 1995, being the very first State in Australia to hold the first National Women’s Championship.

Bocce has come a long way since the early seventies. It is played everywhere in Parklands beaches, picnic grounds and of course on regular bocce courts.

Many of our South Australian players have represented National, International Championships in Europe and Asian Countries, doing well in both Bocce Volo, Raffa, Masters Game and Special O’s Bocce.

South Australia proudly hosted 8 such Nationals, 1973 (before its incorporation in SA),1978,1983,1986,1995, 2004, 2009, 2014. Last being in 2014 at McLaren Vale Bocce Club. Raffa Nationals in Mt Gambier Raffa 2008–2009. Hosting Special O’s in 2010 & Australian Masters game over the 30 years, last being the 15th in 2015.

Although our population is aging it is my conviction bocce will continue for many more years to come with the help of some of our very interested and keen Youth.

OUR MISSION:“To promote the sport to people of all ages and abilities and maintain our games culture”

Congratulations and thank you one and all who made this wonderful dream a reality.

Mirella Mancini OAMPresidentSouth Australian Bocce Federation Inc

The BFA Committee at the Annual General Meeting together with Gareth Candy.

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Congratulations to the South Australian Bocce Federation and President, Mirella Mancini OAM, on celebrating its 40th Anniversary!

The South Australian Bocce Federation’s one of the first Presidents, Luigi Casagrande was a man of vision who embraced the opportunities that the sport of bocce would bring to South Australia, especially the opportunities it would provide for the many European migrants living in South Australia. Many of South Australia’s ethnic clubs were built with the sport as its raison d’etre.

Interest in bocce in South Australia soared in the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s with the strong support of the State Government and generous sponsorship of the Benson and Hedges Company and

later Foundation SA, and later still Living Health South Australia.

Successive Presidents have maintained the enthusiasm, zeal and determination of their predecessors which has seen their investment in the sport state wide, produce many talented players in all categories of the sport.

South Australian bocce athletes and coaches – senior men, senior women and juniors have represented Australia with pride on the world stage in all the major international events, including in the two World Championships held in Australia! What an achievement!

In 1995, just over one hundred years since South Australia was the first state to give women the right to vote, South Australia was host to the first National Women’s Bocce Championship! A feat for South Australia and a rewarding accomplishment for Mirella Mancini – the driver behind the successful funding submission to Living Health South Australia!

That championship changed the course of bocce nationally! Women are now involved in leadership roles across Australia in coaching, officiating, administration, disability sector and now occupy a high percentage of board positions. South Australia notched up yet another first when it appointed Mirella Mancini OAM,as its first female State Bocce President – an Australian bocce first!

Progress in the sport in South Australia continues despite the lack of a major sponsor and the evolution of sport in Australia. The South Australian Bocce Federation with the ongoing support of the South Australian Government and South Australian family companies and member Clubs, continues to innovate, introducing the Life Be In It bocce program for the City of Adelaide workers – an annual program that now has a life of its own. The South Australian Bocce Federation has long embraced regional areas including Mt. Gambier and McLaren Vale with both regions hosting national championships! It is also a regular host to the Australian Masters Games and contributor to the South Australian Carnevale festivities.

The next 40 years could well see South Australians participating in bocce at the Olympic Games!

Congratulations to all members, affiliated Clubs and supporters of the South Australian Bocce Federation – your legacy is a proud part of South Australia’s history!

Raymond CherPresident – Bocce Federation of Australia – BFA

BFA President’s MessageRaymond Cher

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Message from Jay WeatherillThe Premier of South Australia

I extend my congratulations to all members, volunteers and supporters of the South Australian Bocce Federation for the 40th anniversary of the group’s founding.

More than a century has passed since bocce was introduced to Australia by European settlers, and the sport is now firmly embedded in our culture.

The popularity of bocce in our State continues to grow. It is enjoyed by people of all ages. One of the game’s other great strengths is the way it helps break down social barriers, such as a player’s country of origin, gender and circumstances.

The Federation has earned plaudits and prominence in recent times. It won gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2015 Australian Masters Games in Adelaide. And, in 2014, the McLaren Vale Bocce Club hosted the Australian Bocce Championships.

I especially wish to commend the Federation President, Ms Mirella Mancini OAM, for her tireless promotion of the sport, and I thank the many volunteers and sponsors for their generous support.

I wish the Federation all the very best – both for 2016 and for, at least, another 40 years of success and bringing people together in goodwill.

Jay Weatherill MPPremier of South Australia

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On behalf of the South Australian Liberal Party I would like to congratulate the South Australian Bocce Federation on its 40th anniversary. This is a fantastic achievement that the whole community can be very proud of.

Australians have come to know and enjoy the game of bocce, largely thanks to the Italian migrants who came to our shores in the early 1900s. They brought the game with them and taught others how to play. It’s a game that brings people together and promotes a healthy balance of competition and socializing.

South Australia is very fortunate to have such an active Bocce Federation that has continued to prosper over the past four

decades. It’s encouraging to see that younger players are also being introduced to the sport through ‘Mini–Bocce’, in an effort to keep the sport alive for generations to come.

The health benefits of getting involved in a sport – not matter what your age – cannot be underestimated, and fortunately bocce is a sport that suits any level of fitness.

Thank you to all those who have taken an active role in the South Australian Bocce Federation over its lifetime. May the next forty years be just as prosperous and fulfilling!

Yours sincerely,

Steven Marshall State Liberal Leader – Member for Dunstan

Message from Steven Marshall MPState Liberal Leader

Message from ORS MinisterOffice for Recreation and Sport

Congratulations to the South Australian Bocce Federation on your 40th Anniversary.

The South Australian Bocce Federation has enjoyed a long and beneficial relationship with the State Government. We are proud to support your mission to promote bocce to people of all ages and abilities, and maintain the game’s unique culture.

Whilst bocce remains a relatively small sport in South Australia in terms of numbers, its’ members are strong, vibrant and part of a dedicated community. I applaud your commitment to taking the game to many parts of the community, including regional South Australia.

Thousands of school children have enjoyed learning not just the skills of the game but also the rich culture and experiences of bocce. This has helped them to see it as a sport which offers opportunities to learn new skills, remain active and be part of a family based sport built on traditions of fair play and respect. These are values the State Government promotes through its’ own sport and recreation programs.

SABF has enjoyed many successes throughout the years including hosting two world championships, numerous Masters Games and the inaugural National Women’s Bocce Championship. South Australia can proudly claim to be the first State to appoint a female president, Mirella Mancini OAM.

Bocce athletes of all ages continue to excel on the national and international stage. This is testimony to the talent and pathways provided by your hard working coaches and supporters. Long may these opportunities continue for the social player right through to the next world champion!

I trust you will enjoy your 40thAnniversary celebrations as you reflect on the personalities, performances and programs which have shaped your sport over the years.

I wish you all the best for a long and strong future for the SABF.

Leon Bignell MPMinister for Recreation and Sport

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The 40th anniversary of the South Australia Bocce Federation is a magnificent achievement to be celebrated by all whom enjoy the sport.

From humble beginnings in 1976, the Federation has grown in size, popularity and professionalism due to the commitment and passion of those who love the sport. During that time, regional Italian clubs and ethnic clubs across the state have come together to share their love for Bocce, to socialise and compete at state, national and international levels.

Importantly, Bocce in South Australia has seen the active involvement of young people and women in a variety of leadership roles, helping to ensure the sport retains its popularity

and reputation as a game for all in our community to enjoy.

Congratulations to President Mirella Mancini OAM, the South Australian Bocce Federation and all of the Bocce clubs, players and volunteers who have preserved and promoted an important cultural past–time in South Australia.

Hon. Grace PortolesiChair of SAMEAC

Message from Hon. Grace PortolesiSouth Australian Multicultural & Ethnic Affairs Commission

10Bocce Juniors SA

11

List of Presidents1976 – 2016

BORGHETTO Mario1st Chairperson

RADMAN Giuseppe1st President 1976

1976–79 & 1984–85

VARRICCHIO Silvio2001–2002 & 2008–2009

MANCINI Mirella OAM2003–2007 & 2010–current

CASAGRANDE Gino2nd President

1980–83, 1986–87 & 1990

CIROCCO Nick OAM1988–89 & 1999–2000

GALLIO Gaetano1991–1995

BARONE Raffaele1996–1999

BORGHETTO Mario

BRESOLIN Attilio

PIOTTO Settimo

RADMAN Giuseppe

First Committee1976

President/Public Relation’s Officer

Mirella Mancini OAM

Secretary

Helen Ganeo

Acting Treasurer

Alec Ganeo

Club Delegates

Fogolar Furlan Club: Cav. Lorenzo Ferini

McLaren Vale Club: Martin Lightfoot & Jenny Greening

Mt Gambier: Joe D’Agostino & Frank Capriotti

Sicilia Club: Rita Palumbo

Slovenia Club: Ivan Cafuto

Representing Veneto Club:– Mirella Mancini OAM

Current Executive Committee& Club Delegates of 2016

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Achievements1976 – 2016

Since its incorporation the South Australian Bocce Federation has come a long way it has participated in all (46) National Championships with the exception of one year. The players were picked (and rightly so) earned the honour to take part in World Championships such as Canada, Italy, France, Japan, China, Croatia and Slovenia.

Our Seniors have taken home from National Championships in many occasions Single, Doubles, Quadruple Titles, as well as Rapid, Fast Throw Titles and in many instances Best & Fairest Title, not to mention overall Champion State. South Australia Bocce Federation is very proud of their achievements of 40 years since its incorporation.

Junior’s have not only participated in all (37) Nationals but some of our South Australian Junior Players have had the opportunity and the honour to represent Australia in France Monaco, Morocco, Japan, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia.

We can only but say WELL DONE SOUTH AUSTRALIA keep the good work up for the next not only 40 years but however many it takes to continue to promote our wonderful sport of BOCCE.

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Over The Years...From 1976 – 2016

Over The Years...From 1976 – 2016

Over The YearsFrom 1976 – 2016

As you can see from the Action photographs, SA has had many success stories from the very beginning with Jack Daniel’s Hat trick in throwing competition, Raffaele Zollo in Seniors single title in quite a few Championships, as well as participating in International Championships.

In 2011 saw Rodolfo Mancini win single title, & runner up in doubles same year with Anthony De Leonardis.

Ross De Ieso hat trick in Single titles, and competing in International U18, in many occasions.

Many other youngsters were sucessfull Gloria Leonbruni as per article. Under 14 & U18 Juniors over the last 4 years representing both Nationals and in Monaco. This year in 2016 R. Barone Jnr. only 13 took out single title & again R. Barone & V. Clemente took out doubles title in the inaugural Asia Oceania Bocce Junior & U 23 Championships. Amongst other Juniors Representing Australia Internationally, we had Anthony DeLeonardis, Alec Ganeo, Declan Fedele winning back to back Precision Throw.

In 1995 our very first National Women’s Championship Maria Paradiso (now Dec’d), Antonia De Marchi & Elda Giacopci won gold medal in the doubles with a never to be forgotten game. This year 2016, Maria Ferraro put the icing on the 40th Birthday Cake, by Winning National Single Bocce Title.

Just to name a few Success stories, there are many more. Australian Masters in single doubles & triples since they commenced 30 years ago.

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Success StoriesOur Champions over the years

Hat Trick Winner, Jack Daniel in action Declan Fedele back to back Precision throw

Success StoriesOur Champions over the years

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Alec Ganeo in action Anthony De Leonardis, 2008 - Zagreb

Vince Clemente Raffaele Zollo Many National Titles

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Success StoriesOur Champions over the years

Mathew Latella 2016 Juniors Nationals

Luciano Varricchio, 2015 Winner

Gianni Caretti 2016 Juniors Nationals

Megan De Leonardis 2015

Success StoriesOur Champions over the years

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Ross De Ieso Hat trick winner 1998, 1999 & 2000

Raffaele Barone Junior Single U 14 Asia Oceania Bocce Title 2016

Maria Ferraro 2016 Single Title WinnerGloria Leombruni

Making Headlines...From 1976 – 2016

SA Bocce Stairway of ChampionsMen & Women

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YEAR DISCIPLINE WINNERS (Men)

1976 Doubles R. Zollo & A. Bottin1976 Fours R. Zollo L. Campaganro, R. Fighera, E. Doz, D. Piotto1979 Doubles R. Zollo & D. Dametto1980 Single R. Zollo1982 Fours D. Dametto, M. Montin, R. Zollo, G. Martinello, B. Stocco1984 Precision J. Daniel1985 Precision J. Daniel1985 Fours D. Dametto, G. Gallio, L. Campagnaro, L. Casagrande, E. Bordignon1986 Precision J. Daniel (Hat trick 3 years in a row)1987 National/France S. Visentin chosen to take part U231988 Single J. Daniel1990 Single R. Zollo1992 Fours National U231994 Single R. Zollo1995 Fours National U23 1995 Best & Fairest Steven Visentin1996 Doubles J. Daniel, S. Visentin2004 Best & Fairest Ross DeIeso2010 Single R. Mancini2012 Single R. Zollo2015 Doubles L. Varricchio & R. Barone U142015 Single L. Varricchio2015 Doubles A. Ricci & V. Clemente U182016 Single R. Barone U18 2016 Double Rapid Relay M. Latella & G. Caretti U18

YEAR DISCIPLINE WINNERS (Women)

1995 Doubles A. DeMarchi, E. Giacopcic & M. Paradiso2002 Triples M. Faggionato, L. Lachi & A. DeMarchi2009 Doubles M. Valente & R. Maglieri (McLaren Vale)2009 Champion Team McLaren Vale2014 Precision M. DeLeonardis2016 Single M. Ferraro

Our Members

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APAT GiorgioBARKOVIC VeraBARONE RaffaeleBELTRAME GinaBERSAN OnorinaBOLDRIN EnnioBOLZON LuiginoCIARAMELLA MariaCIROCCO RoccoDAMETTO DuilioDANIEL Eugenio (Jack)DEMARCHI AntoniaDELEONARDIS AnthonyFEDELE Ebony

FEDELE Rita FERRARO MariaGALASSO GennaroGALLIO GaetanoGALLIO DelfinaGANEO HelenLACHI LorettaMANCINI RodolfoMANCINI Mirella OAMMAZZOCATO MariaRANALDO ErminioSCHIEVENIN SandySELLA-GIANOT Miranda

Seniors

CAPRIOTTI FrankDELLOREFICE LUISALETIZIA SALVATORELETIZIA GRAZIA

MACERA PalminaDI RITO LuciaPASQUAZZI Giorgio

Mt Gambier

Campania Sports & Social Club Community CentreFogolar FurlanMcLaren Vale Bocce Club

Mt Gambier Italo Australian Club IncSicilia Social & Sports ClubThe Slovenian Club Inc

Clubs

BARONE Raffaele JuniorCARETTI GianniCLEMENTE VincentFEDELE Declan

GANEO AlecLATELLA MatthewSPAGNUOLO MatthewVARRICCHIO Luciano

Juniors

BIANCO Nick

MAGLIERI Serafino Cav. Uff.

ROBRAN Barrie

Life Members

† BARBAGALLO Giuseppina† BOMBARDIERI Pietro† BORILLO Mario† BOZZON Olga† CAIRAN Imelda† CALLISTO Cosimo† CALLISTO Donato† CALA’ Vincenzo† CAMPAGNOLO (Lachi) Fortunato† CAMPAGNOLO Giuseppe† CANZIANI Angelo† CARROZZO Giuseppe† CASAGRANDE Gino† CASAGRANDE Jack† CAVALLIN Marcello† CAVAIOULO Nicola† CENTOFANTI Martino† COLLINI Ottilia† DI FABIO Giovanni† DIGIUSTO Stella† DEFAVARI Alberto† DEMARCHI Candido† DEPIERI Serafina† DOZ Emilio

† FANTONE Caterina† GENTILCORE Giuseppe† GIRALDI Domenico† KODELE Magda† LJUBICIC Dorothea† MARCHI Libera† MARCUZZI Rina† MARZOLA Norina† PARADISO Maria† PELLIZZARI Camillo† PERCALI Carmelo† PORCIELLI Antonio† PRELAZ Silvio† PRO SDOCIMO Ado† QUARINA Elio† QUIRINO Nicolino† REBURI Elio† ROVINA Angelo† RUOTOLO Giuseppe† SCAGLIA Bruna† SESTITO Giuseppe† SPAGNOLETTI Cosimo† SULICH Renato† VALENTE Livio

Lest We Forget Remembering Our Members

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How it all started.. Bocce was introduced in Australia by European migrants in the early 1900s.

The origins of bocce are believed to date back to 9000 BC where stone bowls were found in Turkey. Traces have also been found dating back to the time of the Pharaohs. In fact, a game similar to bocce was played in ancient Greece and during the middle ages. From the early Greek physician Hippocrates to the great Italian Renaissance man Galileo, the early participants of bocce have noted that the game’s athleticism and spirit of competition rejuvenates the body.

Bocce enjoyed rapid growth throughout Europe and became the sport of nobility and peasants alike. According to legend, Sir Francis Drake refused to set out to defend England against the Spanish Armada until he finished a game of bocce. He proclaimed, “First we finish the game, then we’ll deal with the Armada!”.

By the 1800s, bocce was played across the north of Italy and in other European countries like France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, Istria Croatia and Bosnia. In Italy, men played bocce at the back of ‘Osterias’ and along the back streets. In the mid 1800s, Italy was unstable. The two Giuseppe Garibaldi’s and Mazzini led the ‘red shirts’ across the country in a bit to unify the Italian speaking people. It was during this period that many northern Italians started immigrating to places like Australia and America, taking the game of bocce with them.

Bocce Now.. Bocce (sport–boules) is a bowls sport for all sport lovers and levels of fitness. It is played both at a competitive level and recreational level, and can be played in singles or in teams of up to 4 players. Bocce is played competitively throughout the world with over 50 countries being members of the F.I.B (Bocce Volo). Regular World Championships for men, women and juniors are held annually. It is also played at the Para Olympics, Special Olympics, World, Mediterranean and South East Asian Games. Bocce is a lifetime sport and can be played anywhere by anyone at a social level.

Bocce Today.. Different countries around the world have their own version of bocce. It is played with various rules and on different surfaces, although the basic aim of the sport remains the same. An interest for competition between countries grew, so did the need for uniform rules. In 1946 the French, Italian, Swiss and Monegasque Federations formed the Federation International de Boules (F.I.B) and international competition was born.

In 1985, the Confederation Mondiale des Sport Boules (C.M.S.B) was formed to include all forms of the game. The C.M.S.B consists of 4 international federations, F.I.P.J.P (Pentanque), C.B.I (Bocce Raffa), World Bowls (Lawn Bowls), and F.I.B (Bocce Volo), with the F.I.B being the oldest of the 4. The C.M.S.B was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C) in 1986, known as sport–boules. Competitive bocce has a long history with the formation of the French Federation in 1888 and the Italian Federation in 1919. But socially, bocce has been played on the streets and in the parks for centuries before this. There are two main forms of competitive bocce, Volo and Raffa. Volo is played competitively in Australia and in the most modernised form of the game with its technical throwing events involving a high level of fitness. Professional levels of the sport are played in European countries.

Brief History of Bocce

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The South Australian Bocce Federation would also like to thank the Government of SA through the Office for Recreation and Sport for their assistance with Grants over many years and BFA Bocce Australia for their continued support.BFA CommitteeSABF CommitteePhotography – Ray CherResearch – Mirella Mancini OAMRadio Italiana 531 for Bocce segment over 20 years

Our Sponsors

The South Australian Bocce Federation would also like to acknowledge and thank all past sponsors for their support through the years far too many to mention.

Acknowledgements