ASHTABULA HARBOR — Teams from all over the area gathered Saturday morning at the Ralph Giancola Bocce Pavilion at Sons of Italy Lodge 1169 for the third annual Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County bocce tournament.
The tournament, held Saturday, Sept. 5, featured 28 teams competing in a double-elimination format, with proceeds benefiting Catholic Charities programs that assist residents with basic needs.
Catholic Charities Executive Director Jill Valentic reminded participants at the tournament’s 9 a.m. kickoff that their competition was ultimately about helping others.
“I think the first thing is, I want to let you know that everything that you do today is in the name of helping the people we serve,” Valentic said.
Proceeds from the tournament support Catholic Charities programs, including housing and utility assistance and its payeeship program. Funds also help the agency provide necessities such as diapers to people in need.
Valentic thanked the tournament’s sponsors and volunteers, saying the event would not be possible without their support.
“We are truly grateful and it would not happen without all of you,” she said.
Bishop David Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown also addressed the players before competition began, thanking them for helping Catholic Charities serve others.
Bonnar, who was participating in the tournament, added a bit of humor to his remarks.
“Even though I’m playing, I’m not praying that we win, just that we don’t lose or embarrass ourselves too badly,” he joked.
He then offered a more serious prayer that the tournament would bring out the best in everyone participating.
Valentic said the tournament featured a double-elimination format across the winners, losers and comeback brackets. Teams in the double-elimination tournament had to lose twice before being eliminated, while the comeback tournament gave teams another opportunity to compete.
“We’re looking at some really good players right now,” Valentic said during the competition.
When the tournament concluded, Molisani #13 took first place. Swedetown finished second, followed by Bump It in third, Last Chance in fourth and Chuckie’s Revenge in fifth.
Skufca’s on State placed sixth, while Two Yuots finished seventh.
Cheese and Rice won the comeback tournament.
The tournament was held at the Ralph Giancola Bocce Pavilion at Sons of Italy Lodge 1169 in Ashtabula Harbor. According to Joe Rich, president of Sons of Italy #1169, the organization regularly hosts community events, fundraising tournaments and league play.
The pavilion itself has continued to grow. Originally built with two courts, it was recently expanded to four.
Rich said Sons of Italy takes pride in hosting activities that benefit the community, including tournaments such as the Catholic Charities event.
For the players gathered Saturday, the tournament offered an opportunity to compete, socialize and enjoy a longstanding local pastime while supporting Catholic Charities’ work assisting residents throughout Ashtabula County.
