Staff Report
The Santa Ynez Valley Bocce Foundation (SYVBF) will host its first Summer Shuffle bocce tournament on Sunday, Aug. 18, at the Marriott Hotel in Buellton.
The event, starting at 12:30 p.m., is open to everyone, regardless of expertise, to promote health and community through the sport of bocce.
The word ‘bocce’ is Italian for bowl or bowling. A game that traces its roots to the Roman Empire, bocce was spread across the globe by Italian immigrants and is now enjoyed by the wider community. Hundreds of bocce enthusiasts live in the Santa Ynez Valley and participate in seasonal games through the Santa Ynez Valley Bocce League and the Solvang Recreation League.
The SYVBF will transform the Figueroa Ball Room at the Marriott Hotel into an air-conditioned playground with four carpeted indoor courts, scoreboards and plenty of spectator seating. Ticket price includes a hot dinner of grilled chicken fettuccine and baked ziti, in keeping with the sport’s Italian roots.
Players can join as a single ($35) or as a pair ($70) and are randomly selected to form teams for a round robin tournament. Each team plays a minimum of three games and the winning team will be awarded a mixed case of local wines provided by a variety of sponsors.
In addition, there will be a raffle for local wines and a no-host wine and beer bar available to all. Spectators are welcome ($25 fee for lunch).
Space is limited and participants must RSVP by Monday, Aug. 12, to ensure a spot. Sign up at www.syvboccefoundation.org or mail a check to SYV Bocce Foundation, PO Box 1421, Santa Ynez, 93460 with the names of participants on the memo line.
The Santa Ynez Valley Bocce Foundation is a registered nonprofit that promotes health and community through bocce. Go to www.syvboccefoundation.org for more information.
