Palazzo di Bocce Club Teams Get First U.S. Nationals Win; Men Advance to World Bocce Championships in Brazil

Two teams from America's first palace of bocce, Palazzo di Bocce, win national titles in club play. The men's team advances to the world competition to be held in Brazil in September.

Orion Township, MI (PRWEB) July 1, 2006 -- Palazzo di Bocce teams took their first national club titles at the 2006 U.S. Bocce Championships in St. Louis, Missouri June 24, with one team advancing to the Club World Championships Sept. 18-26 in Montenegro, Brazil.
    
Two Detroit-area players, Jason Wisniewski of Waterford and Jorge Moreno of Rochester Hills, teamed with Mike Lapcevich of Hermitage, Pennsylvania and Dr. Angel Cordano of St. Petersburg, Florida to represent Palazzo di Bocce. The men captured a gold medal in the Punto, Raffa, Volo Division A finals among America’s best players, and will move on to vie for top honors among premier players from 30 countries in September.
    
In addition, five Michigan women captured a gold medal in the Open B Tournament. Members of the “Dream Motivators” from Palazzo di Bocce are Annette Battaglia of Lake Orion; Anne Smith, Sue Suddeth and Cathy Cole of Oxford; and Angie Sickle of Troy. Open B winners celebrate their national standing, but do not advance to world play.
    
Palazzo di Bocce players credit the facility’s developer and owner, Anthony Battaglia of Oakland Township, with providing the resources that allow them to compete at the sport’s highest levels.
    
“U.S. competitive bocce has made huge strides in the past couple years with the support of Mr. Battaglia,” said gold medalist Jason Wisniewski, 23, who previously represented the U.S. at the 2005 World Men’s Volo Doubles event in Turin, Italy. “He’s given us the level of coaching we need to compete with the world’s top players, plus a venue and courts that are the best anywhere.”
    
Battaglia is a nationally ranked seniors player who developed a passion for bocce in the 1990s, and envisioned a first-rate facility that would honor its Italian popularity and grow interest in North America.
    
“Bocce is a great sport that can be played throughout your life. I want to show young people and families what a healthy, entertaining and competitive game this is,” he said. “I’m thrilled that our advanced players are succeeding at the national level, and will do all I can to support them for the world games.”
    
Bocce is one of the world’s most popular and enduring sports. Though it is often credited to the Italians who embraced it and brought it to America in the early 1900s, the game and its many variations is played worldwide in many nations and cultures.
    
Battaglia and others think the sport of bocce is uniquely suited to the interests and needs of many Americans, particularly the large Baby Boomer population. Unlike golf, bocce can be played in an air conditioned environment and isn’t a physical strain. Its friendly camaraderie and strategic element make it a draw for casual and serious players alike.
    
Evidence of growing U.S. bocce interest includes a 20 percent increase in United States Bocce Federation memberships in 2005. New or expanding clubs are springing up on the trendy coasts and in the heartland, and Internet bocce sites are registering huge jumps in visits. Equipment e-sellers have appeared on the web, and bocce gear can now be found at major sporting goods retailers coast to coast.
    
Meanwhile, Mr. Battaglia offers a total package set of plans for both construction and operation of mini Palazzo di Bocces which can be built anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Battaglia says the plans are ideal for bocce club members looking to play in a dedicated venue more permanent and upscale than the local park or church basement.
    
Battaglia’s Palazzo di Bocce is the largest and most elaborate bocce facility in the U.S. Opened in 2004, it features 10 indoor artisan-crafted courts where both beginning and skilled play is common, and the Trattoria di Bocce courtside restaurant serving authentic Italian food. In addition, a separate Cortile de Bocce four-season courtyard area features four courts and bar and food service, accommodating up to 150 for banquets and special events. An on-site Pro Shop offers fine athletic wear and premium bocce equipment.
    
Palazzo di Bocce hosted the 2005 U.S. and World Bocce Championships, which drew players from all over the U.S. and 17 countries. The 32,000 square foot facility is located at 4291 S. Lapeer Road, Orion Township, about 1.5 miles north of the Palace of Auburn Hills.
    
For more information, or to make reservations or book a special event, call 248-371-9987, or visit www.palazzodibocce.com.

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