Bob Ray Bocce Tournament

Stop by Mackle Park and see firsthand how bocce’s popularity has continued to grow each year. There you may find a group of residents who play every single day year round, when the Marco Island weather permits. Luckily, living in paradise allows for many days of outdoor fun playing bocce at Mackle Park.

In addition to the Italian-American Society of Marco Island, many condo associations have teams. As popularity grows, more and more teams have been formed. New this year is the Marco Island Bocce League, which has kept the four bocce courts busy from 8 AM to 8:45 PM, Monday through Friday.

The players have become very sophisticated in their play, which means their skills have improved. They enjoy the healthy competition. Their competitiveness and improved skill set may be attributed to their love of the game. Bocce has the added benefit of positive socialization.

More that 100 people attended the recent Italian-American Society Bob Ray Memorial Bocce Tournament, which is co-sponsored by the City of Marco Island’s Parks and Recreation Department. Sixteen teams signed up for the tournament, which is the maximum.

The tournament and trophy are dedicated to the memory of Bob Ray, an Italian American member, loved by the Marco Island community. His friend and fellow player, Jerry Leeman designed and sculpted the trophy, who by the way, was on the team winning first place.