Atlanta Team “Poppy’s Bocce” Wins 4th Annual Fall Bocce Tournament
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The fourth annual Fall Bocce Ball Tournament, which took place over the holidays brought in the largest crowd the event has ever seen since it begin four years ago. Organized by Steven Weiner, MD of The Aesthetic Clinique and Rosemary Beach resident, A. Bergdorf, the tournament kicked off this year with a whopping 124 players who battled to win another season of bragging rights and numerous grand prize gifts.
With a two season winning record, team Botocci and Alleys, consisting of Dr. Weiner and Dave Raschkoub of Bud & Alleys finally gave up the winning title to Atlanta’s Poppy’s Bocce team, Greg Camia and Mark Schoppmann. Named in honor of Michael DiPinto, a.k.a. “The Silver Streaker”, a former bocce contestant who recently passed away on December 1, the team gave their best in recognition of one of the tournament’s most valued players. Practicing year round for this tournament, the team entered Rosemary Beach for the third year in a row to try their hand at the winning title. This year, their efforts paid off.
“It was an overwhelming turnout and the games were exciting as always,” says Dr. Weiner. “Unfortunately, you can’t win them all,” he added.
The reigning champions made a grand entrance on their shining carriage, which was really a golf cart, into the town of Rosemary Beach with music, crowns and waves of glory. Next year, the new winners, Camia and Schoppman, will have the honors to gloat in their win and come blazing down the streets.
As is tradition, the tournament kicked off with the raising of the Italian flag while the national Italian anthem played in the background. This season, the event had over 60 teams and over 120 players, all with families and friends in tow. Cheers and applause were heard throughout as teams worked their way through the elimination rounds and on to finals. Although Team Botocci and Alleys were the ones to beat, Camia and Schoppman made this trip worth their while as they came out ahead in the final round to win the infamous title.
“We practice all year for this. It is our third year in the tournament and I’m glad to say we can finally go home with our heads held high,” says Camia,” he said.
Bombora Sun & Surf was this year’s premier sponsor for the fall bocce ball event. In addition, several local businesses also participated. This season’s sponsors included Bombora Sun & Surf, 30A.com, The Aesthetic Clinique, Salon Twist, La Botana, Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar, Patchouli’s, Restaurant Paradis, Cowgirl Kitchen, The Fabric Source, 30A Television, SouthWaltonScene.com, Moonpize, Sugar Shak, Wild Olives, YOLO, Summer Kitchen, Quick & Clean Car Wash, and Think It Wear It Express.
Two bocce tournaments are held each year, with the spring tournament taking place the Saturday before Easter and the fall tournament taking place the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Each event has grown in popularity and participants. To find more details about the annual bocce tournaments, visit www.theclinique.net or call 850-622-1214 for information.
