Celebrating four decades of this popular game

The Kelowna Bocce Club, the Okanagan's sole year-round indoor bocce facility, is gearing up for a big milestone this month.

It was 40 years ago, in 1983, when it was opened at their Aberdeen Street location by a group of dedicated volunteers.

Among the members who has been there since the very first roll of the ball is Ivan Haluska. He came from Winnipeg in 1980 and got started through a neighbour who was playing at the Italian Club. The rest, as they say, is history.

He spoke with Ara from 103.1 Beach Radio about what exactly makes a good bocce player.

“Good listening, good eyes, and good watching. The rest of it is just a feeling of speed with the ball,” he said.

Bocce is a traditional Italian sport that involves players taking turns to throw larger 'bocce balls' at a smaller white jack, or 'pallinos' ball. The action unfolds on a flat, rectangular court.

The object of the game is to have your team's bocce balls closest to the pallino by the end of the match.

When asked about his favourite part about the sport, Ivan emphasized the joy of camaraderie with fellow players.

“I love watching, and to be with the people. Even at my age, I can keep busy all the time. Doesn't matter how much I play, or I don't play,” he said. “But there’s a crowd here, and I've got a place to get out to everyday, so I don't sit in my apartment and [get] bored.”

To commemorate their 40-year journey, the club is having an anniversary celebration dinner and dance on September 8th.

If you'd like tickets contact the club's treasurer at 250-763-6662.