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 local 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 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.?
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, 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, just about 1.5 miles north of the Palace of Auburn Hills.
For more information, or to make reservations or book a special event, call 371-9987, or visit their website at www.palazzodibocce.com.