​There are a wide range of summer activities for youth, including baseball, tennis, and golf, and bocce has joined the lineup. Since June 1, Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m., young players have been trying their hand at bocce at the Sons of Italy. The final event is scheduled for July 27, and the program is open to boys and girls in grades 7 through 12. The mission is to provide youth with the chance to play this enjoyable yet competitive cultural sport, which helps build teamwork and sportsmanship. Participation carries no cost.
“We’ve discussed this for years, but we truly had no facilities until this year, with two covered courts,” said Tony Pasanen Sr., who is leading the initiative. He noted that about 10 participants, ages 8 to 13, have joined so far. While most players come from Ashtabula County, the program is open to participants from beyond the area. “They love it,” Pasanen said. “We hope they perform a little better at the youth tournament at the end of July.”
The family-friendly bocce tournament is set for 10 a.m. on July 26. Now in its second year, the event pairs one adult and one youth player in a single-elimination format. “A lot of coaches are bocce players,” Pasanen explained. The entry cost is $25 per team, and a complimentary lunch is provided. Trophies will be awarded to the first-, second-, and third-place teams.
Pasanen reflected that the early weeks focused on teaching the fundamentals. “They didn’t even know bocce existed,” he recalled. “I remember there was this little girl who was afraid to throw the ball, and now I can see the confidence she has gained.” In addition to regular play, the Sons of Italy hosts a variety of bocce tournaments, offering participants ongoing opportunities to compete and improve their skills.
In other news from the Sons of Italy, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Ralph Giancola Bocce Pavilion is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday. This event marks another milestone for the club and its bocce program, underscoring the growing interest and participation in this sport among youth and families alike. The pavilion’s dedication highlights the community’s commitment to providing accessible, inclusive recreational activities that promote fitness, teamwork, and friendly competition.