USA Bocce Team Places 5th at World Championships

Michigan team achieves the highest finish ever for a United States raffa team in world competition.

Orion, Michigan (PRWEB) October 15, 2006 -- Palazzo di Bocce’s team represented the US at the Club World Championships Sept. 18-26 in Montenegro, Brazil, achieving the highest finish ever for a United States raffa team in world competition, finishing 5th. Palazzo di Bocce’s team included Jorge Moreno of Rochester Hills, MI, as captain, Jason Wisniewski of Waterford, MI, Mike Lapcevich of Hermitage, PA, Dr. Angel Cordano of St. Petersburg, FL, and Anthony Battaglia of Oakland Township, MI, as coach.

The top six finishers at the 2006 World Championships were 1st Brazil (Sao Paulo), 2nd Italy, 3rd Paraguay, 4th Venezuela, 5th United States, and 6th Brazil (Montenegro).

Palazzo di Bocce’s men’s team had taken their first national club title at the U.S. Bocce Championships in St. Louis, Missouri, June 24, where only the top placing Open A team advances to the World Championships. Palazzo di Bocce’s women’s team, the “Dream Motivators” also captured a gold medal at the National Tournament in Open B with Annette Battaglia of Lake Orion, MI, as captain, Anne Smith of Oxford, MI, Sue Suddeth of Oxford, MI, Cathy Cole of Oxford, MI, and Angie Sickle of Troy, MI. Open B winners celebrate their national standing, but do not advance to world play.

Palazzo di Bocce players credit the facility’s developer, owner and coach, Anthony Battaglia 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 of years with the support of Mr. Battaglia,” said team member Jason Wisniewski, 23, who also 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 both the national and world level, and will do all I can to support them for future tournaments.”

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, MI.

For more information, to make reservations or book a group event, call 248-371-9987, or visit www.BoccePalace.com.

###