Tony Maio and his friends think they’ll never get tired of playing bocce after more than 15 years.
In 2005, Maio created a bocce group to play at Hibiscus Recreation Center, and the same primary bunch of players continues to play every week.
Ike’s Bocce Warriors meet at Eisenhower Regional Recreation Complex on Monday mornings.
“We talk while we play games. Sometimes we enjoy a cup of coffee in the mornings,” Maio said. “Bocce is pretty laid back because if you aren’t actively throwing you can talk to the people you’re with.”
Maio was stationed on one of the courts, which were all packed with just a few dozen people.
“We meet here (at Eisenhower) on Mondays and Hibiscus on Tuesdays,” he said. “We play at different recreation centers throughout the week,” Maio said. “If it’s raining a lot, or in winter if it’s terribly cold, we’ll cancel, but most of the time nothing stops us.”
When the epidemic initially struck, the group took measures. Masks were necessary for all players, and plenty of hand sanitizer was available.
Because the balls were handled by several players, several players wore gloves, but they also carried sanitizing wipes to keep them clean.
Jim Minucci, of the Village of Sabal Chase, said he enjoys playing bocce, especially with his buddies, because it allows him to clear his mind.
“When you step up to make a throw, you don’t think about anything besides where you want your ball to land and how to get it there,” Minucci said. “It’s a great way to stop thinking about anything that’s been stressing you out.”
Wayne Schmidt acknowledged with Minnuci that the game can be soothing.
“For a couple of hours, you forget about minor issues,” Schmidt, of the Village of St. Charles, said.
On a recent Monday, Schmidt took a seat at the end of one of the courts, evaluating the blue and white balls already in play and deciding his plan of action. He threw his final ball, which landed precisely near to the pallino, a small red ball that you target for in bocce.
“It’s pretty meditative because you really zone in,” Schmidt said.
Playing with the group, according to Frank Salvatore, of the Village of Amelia, is always a highlight of his day. Salvatore has been a member for at least ten years.
Salvatore serves as the group’s “deputy,” assisting in the organization of who plays on which court.
“It’s just a great bunch of guys,” he said. “We laugh more than we play.”
– Attributed Source, The Villages Daily Sun
